And they didn’t live happily after…

When it comes to unfortunate ends to seemingly beautiful relationships, it’s difficult to pinpoint a particular reason. Was it the right person, wrong time? Wrong person, right time? Or just the wrong person, every time?

From 'Fleabag' to Real Life

Dearest LinkedIn Readers, that’s what we call Fleabagging—repeatedly dating people who are wrong for you. While modern dating is a very interesting topic of discussion, let’s shift the same understanding towards how job seekers end up in a cycle of unfulfilling and toxic workplaces. Dating or working with people who aren’t the right fit leaves you questioning your choices and self-worth. Maybe the former is worth questioning here!

The term Fleabagging comes from a popular TV series titled Fleabag, known for its unabashed portrayal of a self-destructive protagonist. The protagonist’s decisions are so volatile yet downright real that the audience can’t help but relate.

Imagine if we were just characters on a TV show and we had an audience sitting on the edge of their seats, watching our every move. Do you think they would wince every time we apply at a company that has an ‘always hiring’ sign? Would they cringe when an employer calls you a part of their family to justify questionable expectations? Would they yell at the screen when you settle for a mediocre pay that doesn’t justify your skills or your time?

Don’t Ignore the Obvious

Neuroscience studies say that the choices exhibited by potential employees are often driven by a set of external pressures like financial responsibilities and internal triggers like low self-esteem and fear of the unknown. Our brains are wired to seek security, which can make us settle for less-than-ideal situations. Red flags like high turnover rates, vague job descriptions, or a stressful office atmosphere are so easily dismissed. But hey, who needs stability and respect when you get a free field trip, right?

Stop Being An Adventure Junkie

On the opposite end of internal pursuits is also the thrill of the unknown. In relationships, you might find yourself repeatedly drawn to a type of person who, despite initial attraction, ends up being a poor match. Similarly, in your career, you might be attracted to a certain type of job or company that, despite the initial promise, consistently fails to meet your expectations or respect your contributions.

People often discourage one from having tunnel vision, but I believe that looking at warning bells that are near you is often better than ignoring them for a long-term promised land.

You’re not Geet from Jab We Met; green flag Aditya is not waiting around the corner for you to realise how horrible Anshuman is. You’ve got to come to the realisation all on your own. All the signs are already there!

Compromise Should Be Reserved for Vacations

If you don’t believe you deserve better, you will end up settling for less—whether that’s in a relationship or a job. Remember, if they promise you the world but can't deliver basic respect, it's probably time to swipe left and cross them out of your life.

Boundaries in Love & Work

Being available 24/7 is not a sign of dedication; it’s a sign of stretching yourself too thin. Setting clear boundaries in both realms isn’t about being difficult, it’s about safeguarding your well-being and setting yourself up for success.

These are my two cents on the parallels of tumultuous dating and career experiences. While, as a writer, it’s my duty to urge you to follow the above advice. However, human beings are nothing but creatures of habit and experiences, even if they lead to terrible consequences. Therefore, be a Fleabagger, make questionable decisions, but learn from them. Life is too short to be making the same mistakes time again while expecting new results. So rewrite your narrative, or your dating profile, or your resume.

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