Choosing the right career partner

We spend half of our waking moments at work. I know this isn't new information, but seriously, stop and think about it for a minute. We probably spend more time engaged in work activities than any other single pursuit, yet too often we settle for any workplace rather than the right workplace. 

Just like any relationship there are suitable and unsuitable matches. Clearly, dating and job seeking are not exactly the same thing - an employer pays for your time, while a spouse does not (at least, not usually). But there are a few useful parallels in terms of finding a partner that is right for you. 

I have read dozens of LinkedIn articles offering advice about when to stick it out at a job and when it's time to call it quits. Maybe it's better to avoid those situations in the first place, and instead follow a few simple principles that will lead you to the right career partner.  

Be brutally honest with yourself

This comes down to your own work personality: what helps you be successful, how you deal with challenges, and what kinds of boo-hockey you are and are not willing to live with. Like any relationship it takes two, and even when it seems like love at first sight, you need to be clear with yourself about what you need from the relationship in order to thrive long term. If you have specific career goals, and you are not achieving those goals, figure out why and make the changes necessary to give yourself the best chances for success. 

Follow your instincts

The recruitment process is like a first date. There are subtle and not-so-subtle nuances that can tip you off about a workplace. If things seem chaotic in the front lobby and the receptionist is behaving miserably, it could spell disorganized and poorly managed. Is the initial telephone screening pleasant and engaging, or is the recruiter struggling to stay awake on the other end of the line? Obviously you want the job or you wouldn't have applied, but don't let that giddy anticipation cloud your judgement. Those initial interactions can tell you a lot about the organization's culture. If your spidey senses are telling you to run for your life, listen. 

Pay close attention to the interview

When you are stoked about a position or a company, it can be easy to overlook red flags in an interview. Most interview advice articles these days will tell you to ask strategic questions to help you size up the company. While that's good advice, the very nature of an interview is not one of equal power positions. It's not always feasible to bluntly ask the questions to which you really want answers. Rather than trying to psychoanalyse questions and answers, pay attention to behaviours. How's the level of attention in the room? Does there appear to be mutual respect? No matter how badly you think you want the job, take stock of how the interview made you feel and why.   

Never get desperate

Too many people measure their own self worth by success in the workplace. Your job is what you do, and ideally it's something you love, but it shouldn't dictate who you are as a person. We all go through struggles and layoffs and career changes - and that's ok. Yes, you have bills to pay, but if you live within your means, keep a healthy savings account, or come up with other creative ways to survive bumps in the road, you won't feel pressured to accept a job that you don't even want. Take the time you need to collect your thoughts and pursue the job that is right for you. Going without a few material things for the short term is better than rushing in for all the wrong reasons. 

More from this author:
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Melissa Ligertwood is a professional writer with a background in psychology, environment, industry and Aboriginal relations. Based in Calgary, Alberta, her areas of expertise include content marketing, website copy, technical writing and project coordination.