Recently a client asked me why the first job taken after a job loss often turns out to be an interim position. Bill (not his actual name) lost a job of 14 years and had been involved in a long search. Finally, a job offer came and Bill took it. However, very quickly, he realized that it was not a good fit. The organization was in transition, priorities kept changing, and he found himself unable to respond effectively. It was simply not a match for his skills, abilities and temperament. After several months, he was once again engaged in a job search.
I have found this short term employment experience to be a pretty common characteristic of a job transition. I call it the “in-between” job; the job that moves you forward but is not your destination. That it occurs is understandable. The transition process is an emotional rollercoaster. Between one job and the next there is uncertainty, vulnerability, self-doubt, and a feeling of not belonging anywhere. We worry about handling our responsibilities and doubt our marketability. When an offer comes, sometime our desire to get off the roller coaster is so strong that we push aside any doubts about the position, minimize the negatives, and accept the position gratefully.
I encouraged Bill to view the experience as not necessarily a bad thing. He may not have reached his destination but the “in-between” job had some essential benefits, such as emotional relief, a renewal of self-confidence, much needed financial resources and a breathing space. Assuming that perspective, Bill was able to move forward. He said that he noticed a new confidence in his ability to get another offer and a greater clarity about what would constitute a good fit.
What I’ve noticed is that the respite provided by the “in-between” job has the potential to result in renewed self-esteem; confidence in the ability to manage a successful search; and a greater clarity about career choices. On the other hand, it may reinforce self-doubt and discouragement. It is a matter of perspective. When Bill was able to see the benefits of the experience, he had renewed energy and hope. While that perspective did not completely eliminate the emotional ups and downs of the career search process, it did eliminate the roller coaster effect and did provide a smoother process with a clearer view of his destination.
Nobody wants to face beginning another job search after a few months. And no one wants to “fail” at the job. But, if the experience can be understood as a part of the transition process, and not as a sign of personal inadequacy, it becomes an opportunity to move forward with clarity and wisdom. Bill chose to do that and engaged in a very active job search campaign with renewed energy. Later…the rest of the story.
To do what you love and know that it matters, how could anything be more fun.
Katherine Graham
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