The Right Fit Takes Time 👟

Collage: Justine Anweiler, The Last Horcrux, 2024.

Although this story is not directly related to finding a job in 2024, it is relevant.

To give you some context of the job market here are the stats from 2018-2024, in 2-year intervals:

The average time it takes to get hired for a new job in ________ *

2018 ~ 23-27 days
2020 ~ 152 days (the pandemic)
2022 ~ 21-42 days
2024 ~ 168 days (or 24 weeks)

*Statistics from The Balance, Recruit Better, and TopResume

KEY TAKEAWAY: It is harder to land a job in 2024 than during a global pandemic.

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So here's what reminded me yesterday that finding the right fit takes time . . .

When I was 19 yo. I dropped out of business school at university and I landed a job as an assistant to a CFO at a small Oil & Gas company. I made more money than anyone should at that age so I decided to invest in a dream.

I wanted to be the Forrest Gump of Canada, but cycling instead of running. So without any plans, I walked into a bike shop and left with all the kit I needed.

Or so I thought . . .

It turns out I was sold kit to race rather than bike pack. I didn’t know this at the time, so I was trying to make my carbon fiber frame with my race-ready clip-ins compliant – and I was experiencing friction.

I quickly gave up on the bike so when I moved to London at 24 yo. with my newly minted bachelor’s - I left it in my mum’s basement 🚲

She carted it around for 10 years as I moved between countries and she moved between provinces.

At 34 yo. I found myself back in my mum’s house facing the dream that hadn’t quite manifested so I decided to sell the kit: the road bike, pedals, and clip-ins.

When I say it took time, guidance, new friends, trained experts, and learning to discern energy on Facebook marketplace, I am not exaggerating.

These were my Horcruxes and whilst the bike and pedals did eventually sell, the shoes did not. My equipment was elite but also bespoke and dated.

Needless to say, it was a journey.

And then something wild happened yesterday, I sold the shoes after having them listed for 1.5 years.

Like Cinderella’s glass slipper, my shoes found the perfect home! A woman of similar age, we shared three mutual friends on FB, all three people from different chapters of my life growing up in Calgary. And she was taking up road cycling. We spoke for two hours, she plans to move to the UK and I knew my Horcruxes were finished.

The portal has closed on something big: a dream not quite right and a dependence on my mother that was delaying the completion of my transition into adulthood.

With every portal that closes, a new one opens, and this one has the energy of independence and new dreams.

May this be a reminder that timing is not within your control. It is better to be discerning, stay true to your worth, and trust that the right people will find you.

Your next role will find you. I promise it.

Article FAQs generated by AI:
1. What is a “Horcrux” and what does it mean in the context of the post?
A “Horcrux” in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, is a dark magical object in which a dark wizard or witch has hidden a fragment of their soul to attain immortality. In this post, the term "Horcruxes" is used metaphorically. The author refers to their cycling kit as Horcruxes, symbolizing significant, yet burdensome, pieces of their past dreams and identity. These items, like Horcruxes, held old aspirations and incomplete transitions. Selling the cycling kit, especially the shoes, represents the closure of a lingering chapter and the release of the past, allowing them to move forward. This metaphor underscores the emotional weight and importance of finally letting go of outdated ambitions to embrace new opportunities and personal growth.

2. How is the story of selling cycling kit, related to the job search process?
The story of selling cycling kit highlights the importance of patience, persistence, and the right timing in achieving personal goals. Just as it took time to find the right buyer for the bespoke cycling shoes, finding the right job fit also requires patience. This analogy emphasizes the need to remain discerning and trust that the right opportunity will come along, even if it takes longer than expected.

3. Why is it important to learn to discern energy in job hunting?
Learning to discern energy in job hunting is crucial because it helps you understand the subtle cues and atmospheres in different job opportunities and interactions. This skill allows you to align with company culture, interpret non-verbal cues during interviews, and avoid toxic environments, leading to better job satisfaction and performance. Additionally, discerning energy helps in building meaningful relationships and making informed decisions, ensuring long-term success and career growth.