Before the Exhale: The Conversations, the Clarity, and the Cost

Last year I was approached about applying to a new role. I felt conflicted for multiple reasons but I knew I needed to at least apply. Applying doesn't mean that I would be guaranteed a interview and an interview doesn't guarantee that I would get the job.  

I wrestled with the truth that the work in my current isn’t done, yet obedience required me to put my name in the hat. That moment of tension didn’t confuse me—it clarified me. Here’s what the experience taught me.

Clarify your Priorities - I have been clear about what my priorities are and how they allow me to continue to operate on purpose.  I went through my priorities and this role would have required a shift.

Consult your Community. I had a community of people that I consulted during this time . These were people in different areas of my life. This is important because when we look at our lives like a puzzle each person represents a different aspect and season so when you put the entire piece of the puzzle of your life together you see the complete picture as I was pondering on whether or not this was something I wanted to pursue these are are people that brought the perspective that I may have been missing and that's what community does. While the pieces may be different, one thing that was consistent.. that I should at least apply.. 

According to Indeed: Employers should be mindful about what is and isn’t necessary for a role: based on the requirements listed in job descriptions, approximately one third of job seekers have opted out of applying because they lacked the experience (31%), education (31%) or technical skills (29%). 

Yet employers say that job seekers need to meet an average of only 70% of listed requirements to be considered for a position.

Did you know? 1 in 5 job seekers won’t even apply if a job description doesn’t feel welcoming or professional. That’s why employers need to put their best foot forward when writing roles. (Indeed, 2024)

I had the support. 

I had sponsors. 

I had the training and experience to apply so with all of that what was the pause for?

Why was there such an internal battle?

Well.. the ultimate question was was this aligned ? 

I realized that the internal battle of alignment wasn't because I wasn't aligned for the role, it was because of the timing of the alignment, I was gaining momentum and while this was a great position to consider I felt that there was more work to be done. 

When I complete an assignment I like to feel that sense of relief of God whispering to me well done..

Count the cost of the Change. 

Changes come with cost mentally,  physically, emotionally and financially.  Financially I knew that the cost would result in a pay increase but I wasn't just interested in pay I was after the proper positioning in the other areas of life as well.  I was asking questions like how would this impact the time I could give to my other assignments- especially starting up and learning a new role etc 

What did I do? Applied . Applying does not guarantee the interview why apply when you don't know if it's aligned or if you would get an interview Applying gives you the opportunity to update your resume and review your accomplishments while this should be done throughout the year. I realized that there were some amazing things I wasn't on my resume that needed to be highlighted.

In my case I did get an interview this was a (2) fold experience:

1.  Practice , Practice, Practice it's important to always be interviewing- as you are practicing and interviewing your confidence increases . Sometimes we don't realize how much we have accomplished until we start seeing and talking about what we have accomplished and the things that we have done..

2.  Insight to what's required for the role you are applying for. In my case I learned more in depth what was required for the next level and I was able to make an informed decision on whether or not this is something I want to pursue.

Remember applying doesn't guarantee an interview and an interview doesn't mean you have the job..

And guess what ? I didn't get the job but it wasn't because I didn't pull my best foot forward, not because I wasn't qualified but because they wanted someone who had more experience.. so what does that mean

We didn't lose anything 

But we gained insight,  practice,  exposure 

We continue to build on what we learned, make our impact and finish what we started in excellence 

We continue to work, have fun and maximize the month 

We stayed in our current position fully content

Cheers to careers that contain a holy contentment, purposeful  positioning and aligned assignments.