"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." Gilda Radner

 

   Dress for success.  But what does success look like?  

Gilda had it right.  Comfort is more important than fashion. [No flame mail from fashionistas, please.]  And isn't that a good policy for building a career?  

So much is written about following your bliss or color coordinating your parachute that the reasons for which we work are lost in the noise.   LinkedIn is filled with folks warning wannabes to 'find their passion' to find their life's work.

Nonsense.  Most people have 'fallen into' their chosen career.  The statistics tell the tale; less than 30% of professionals work in the field of their college major. The tale gets more interesting as we understand most people make at least three major career changes in their employment lives.

And for those who have always known what they wanted to do, and those whose second career is exactly what they want, kudos.  But for the masses, those folks looking for a new job in an ever decreasing market, let's get real. 

Take the ego out of your job search and you will be surprised at the opportunities that arise.  A recent client was an executive director with a staff, a budget and huge responsibilities in an hostile environment. His self confidence took  a hit and it affected his job search.  He was determined to get a job as a vice president to prove to himself and anyone he thought was watching, that he was the real deal.

After serious career assessment of where he had been the most productive, the most successful, he was able to take a step back and accept a job as a group manager for a major company.  His ability to perform well has already been recognized and his confidence is restored.  He is successful with this job.  

Passion and bliss had nothing to do with his success.  He found an environment with the resources and charter he needed for top performance.  At the end of the day, a job well done was its own reward.

A former CEO was intent on landing another CEO spot.  His last employment was not a joyous one, though he did accomplish some impressive tasks.  

The grief and stress of CEO-ship for a struggling company took its toll on his confidence, his family and his ego.  He was intent on finding another CEO spot so he could prove to himself he had the goods.  Plus, he thought that was the logical thing to do.  Leverage the successes and position the failures.  After eight months with no interviews, he came to me for advice.  He was not ready to hear it so I arranged a 'mock interview' with a one of my VC friends.  He learned fast how the world saw his background and why he would not get the top spot in anything but a failing company.  Only then could he answer the question, "Why do I need to be a CEO?"

After long discussions and much soul searching, he put things into perspective.

Let me share his thinking:  "I was honest with myself about the challenges. Most importantly I stopped letting my ego be my filter for selecting a job. After all, the important things in life are driven not by where you work or your title. Your job is a way to achieve your goals - not the goal itself. That is not to say high achievement is not important or should not be rewarded, but ego is different from achievement. If ego is your filter for job opportunities, you will by its very nature close off opportunities that meet your real long term goals."

• My family is the most important thing in my life
• Supporting my family with a continuous income stream is important
• Quality time with my children and wife is extremely important
• Being successful means achieving the goals and objectives my employer sets.
• Success is success.  The title is not important
• I feel great knowing I accomplished what I set out to do

Playing to his strengths, he revisited the past where he was most productive and went after that job.  He is now happily reemployed and his family is delighted to have him home for dinner most nights.

Stop the itch:  Give your job search the ego-test.  Is it that title you must have to demonstrate you are a player, or do you really want a lifestyle that is consistent with your world view?   

For more contrarian advice, read: Job Search Debugged.  If you'd like to see related topics discussed here, contact me.