The Right Fit

For about 20 years, I have been sitting in the same chair at my place of business. The Chair and I -- we knew each other well and were quite compatible. Never mind that her two back wheels kept falling off and I had to keep gluing them back on. Never mind that she was prone to dumping me on the floor from time to time -- thankfully, not in front of a client. Never mind that my back hurt on a routine basis due to her less than stellar ergonomic design. Never mind all that -- I liked my chair; no, I loved my chair.

And yesterday, things changed. I got a brand spankin' new chair. In fact, New Chair was delivered so fast that I didn't even have a chance to say a proper goodbye to my old friend and constant companion,  Chair.

Today, once again, I am sitting in New Chair. I cannot think straight. I am out of focus. I really don't like New Chair at all -- the color, yes; the seat, yes, the rest - no! And I am the one who picked out my own new chair. I am the one who eagerly awaited her three-week arrival. I am the one who "tried out" many, many new styles, types, makes, models and brands of chairs at the office equipment dealer. I was sure -- in fact, I was certain -- that I had picked the perfect chair for me. To be sure, I cannot stand my New Chair. I dislike it with immense intensity!

It is way too high in the air, for one thing. I feel like I am ready to launch, fling, or hurl myself into the Universe. I feel like my clients are sitting way below me, a really uncomfortable, strange feeling. So, how are you doing down there? It feels even weirder while working at my computer -- my knees and legs are all jammed up against the keyboard tray. Something is amiss, goofed up, and off!

I called the company, pretty certain they must think I'm nuts! So, let's recap...you picked out your new chair, you now have it, and you hate it? Yup, pretty much! Have you adjusted all the bars, levers, knobs, and arms? Yes, yes, yes, and yes and no, no, no, and no, I still can't fall in like (much less love) with my New Chair.

I was reminded, once again, of choices and how they so come with consequences. I was reminded, once again, about how important making the right choice is. I was reminded, once again, about how significant finding the right fit is. Whether it's finding the right job, the right recruiter, the right career, the right boss, the right company, the right degree program, or the right chair, you simply have to choose the one, at the time, that is good and right for you. And in so doing, even when you think you've done all of the appropriate due diligence, every once in awhile, you still get it wrong. You make a mistake. You pick the wrong one -- just like I did. New Chair is going back. And I will find another one that suits me just right.

posted by: billiesucher

Comments

[Bob McIntosh]

Billie,

I enjoyed your analogy of the comfortable and familiar chair to finding the right fit in the workplace...and other aspects of the job search. As a workshop facilitator, I address "the right fit" more from the employer’s perspective of hiring someone who will be a good fit for the company. I tell my customers that being a good fit may be as important as having the technical skills required of the job—after all, the technical skills can be learned.

Many of my customers don’t feel they have the luxury of finding the perfect job that provides all they need to be comfortable and familiar with their boss and colleagues. It’s get a job now. Nonetheless, I’ll mention this article in my workshops. I think it talks to both sides of the table when applying for a job. The boss and employee should be the right fit for each other, ideally.

Bob McIntosh

[billiesucher]

Bob, thanks for your thoughtful comment. Feel free to share as you like in your workshops. On another matter, the chair situation has been resolved and indeed, I found the right fit!:-) ~ Best, Billie