MOVING ON

I recently started dating.

No, not men…companies.

Being back on the job market after spending 17 years at one company is a bit like starting to date again after many years of marriage. You are out of practice, scared but also excited about possibly finding “The One”…again.

First step was determining what I was looking for. Senior-ish role in marketing, communications or – dare I try it, HR – larger company, moderate commute, work-life balance and a good salary.

Hmmm. There may be lots of fish in the sea, but the one I am looking for might not be that easy to find. This will be a challenge, I think to myself. Maybe I need to start with a rebound job…you know, one that you know going in is not the right one for you but serves a purpose. Yeah…a rebound job. Less pressure in terms of the search. You can do this!

I started slow with online job sites – scanning job profiles, company locations and corporate cultures. I want to move to something different but that fits my core values and interests. I want to be challenged but not so much that I fail. In truth, starting to work again will be hard. My therapists have warned me about the risks and the demands – physical, psychological and emotional.

“You’ll need more energy to cope throughout the day.” – Translation, you will need to eat more.

“There will be added stress in your day-to-day.” – Translation, you’ll be tempted to restrict in order to cope.

“You’ll have a lot on your plate to juggle with work and being a mom.” – Translation, you will have little time to invest in getting well. (psss…you are still sick, you know).

Still, with all this in mind, we have agreed it is an avenue worth trying as part of my recovery. Interacting with the world, accomplishing, adding value to an organization will help me grow and heal. The trick will be ensuring that the growth is not overshadowed by the struggles I will face.

So, I tidy up my CV, keep scanning LinkedIn and other sites, and, some days, I finally apply – hoping that as I swipe right on this professional dating app, my potential suitor likes my profile. I’ve had a few interviews. Those too felt very much like first dates. You put on your confidence-boosting outfit, you prepare anecdotes for the small talk, anticipate questions and craft the answers that will really sell yourself and then, butterflies in your belly, you face the music.

You try to be as interesting as you can, you show energy and enthusiasm, and you ask questions to see if you are right for each other. In some cases, the company’s profile was far more attractive than the role turns out to be. In those instances, while somewhat disappointed to hit a dead end, I am somewhat relieved. There is no wondering if they liked you as much as you liked them. No waiting for the phone to ring. No feeling bummed when they contact you to say no thanks.

Right now, I have gone on a few dates with one specific company. I find them different yet interesting. My boxes are not all ticked but I think we could have a very nice and healthy relationship for a year, or two…or….

And, if it doesn’t work out, well, I’ve got my network of contacts and headhunters to help with my fishing expedition.