Employment & Relationships

One, finances the expedition known as life. The other, makes life worth living for. Yet despite the similarities, it becomes obvious that both definitions can be used interchangeably to describe either employment or relationships. In spite of this generalisation, many can go an entire lifetime without one, the other or even both. The thing about jobs and partners is that they occupy and consume a large percentage of our life. Knowing this, we tend to invest a considerate amount of time searching for what we consider our ideal. With this in mind the parallels suddenly become more apparent between both.

Recruiters and friends both play the middle man (or woman) in bringing the two parties to each other's attention. The application, the ice breaker. The resume, the initial conversation, or would that be the cover letter? Then comes the first round interview, the first date. The aptitude tests or meeting the friends and parents. Each challenge eliciting enough information to determine if a suitable fit has been found or if the chemistry is there. If all goes well, you receive a job offer thereby making it official, you're a couple. Three months down the track the probation finishes as does the honeymoon period and the relationship grows.

Similarly enough, just as it can happen in relationships, you can outgrow jobs. When this happens, no amount of negotiation, bargaining or promises can make you change your decision or your feelings. It's then when you have to let the other party know. It begins with a "When you have a spare moment, could we have a private chat?" or a "Listen, we need to talk". Ultimately, the end result is the same and then, it's over.

"It takes a few seconds to say 'hello', but forever to say 'goodbye'"