Simple Rules To Take Control Of Your Career

Job interviews resemble first meetings in arranged marriages — participants have disproportionate expectations, they indulge in long discussions but avoid critical points, they covertly pursue with the overt objective to reject. Unsurprisingly, the dream job is as elusive as the soul-mate, and most professionals would not identify the right job even if it hit them in the face. In this article, we will demonstrate a framework that will let you evaluate your options objectively, understand tradeoffs, and choose an optimal course for the corner office.

What is A Dream Job, Exactly?

A dream job is at the cross-section of the following — resonance with organizational purpose, compatibility with organization culture, a role that you are (can be) proficient at, and a favorable effort-rewards ratio.

1.Why Align with Organization Purpose?

“People should pursue what they’re passionate about. That will make them happier than pretty much anything else.”

Elon Musk

Work-life balance has made way for work-life harmony in a lot of organizations. The work that we do invariable seeps into our lives. For instance, working in a meat company will be a nightmare for an animal lover. The converse is also true. People unlock their highest levels of performance when they are working for a cause or purpose they resonate with.

2. Compatibility with Organization Culture

While culture requirements will vary by individual, I use the below list to assess cultural compatibility. Information can be collated from Glassdoor, people who have exit the organization (from similar level), asking interview panelists, and structured interviews of current employees. This is perhaps the most important step in the application process

3. Role Fit

Always prioritize roles that are at the cross-section of your interest and proficiency.

4. Effort — Rewards Ratio

Recently, a friend of mine quit a job in 3 months citing inadequate pay as a reason despite having joined the company with a healthy hike. He explained that he was being paid INR X for working 50 hrs/week in his previous company, while he is being paid 1.4X for working 90 hrs/week. While per hour salary is only one of the metrics, be cognizant of the sacrifices (time with family, higher levels of stress, alienation from friends, relocation etc) that you will make for the current job and ensure that you get a ‘fair deal’.

Summary

The only thing more difficult than securing a dream job is to work in a job that makes you miserable. Be deliberate. Be opinionated. Do not shortlist jobs for the same reason that most Indians shortlist their arranged marriage matches — because it looks good!