Why Look for a New Job?

 "He who stands the long night will see the dawn."

Said a random man from Devil in Ohio. I work the night shift so I literally stand (endure) the long night every day. Moreover, I know my journey as a linchpin is young, and I am yet to reap the rewards. But I know they will come.

And I'm not just waiting for the opportunity, no. I've actually been busy, looking out there, and applying for jobs and getting interviewed. One of the common questions I get asked is, "Why are you looking for a new job?" It's a really good question to ponder, and I'm not sure I'm able to paint the entire picture every time. So if there is anyone out there that will be hiring me, or anyone that I still have a pending application for, here's my answer to that question.

I love my job at Oracle. I love the people, I love the environment, I love the culture. Simon Sinek says it's something about that. A lot of people like their job but loving a job means so much more; emotion is involved. I've been pouring out my emotion and passion to my work, just as an artist does. And that's what separates me from the rest. I guess passion is what separates liking your job and loving your job. But if I love my job so much, then why leave?

I am currently a part of technical support. Possibly a foot soldier to the support organization. I know I do a lot more than what is required, and what Oracle pays me for. I come up with brilliant ideas that help others even outside of my organization. I know I can do more than being a foot soldier. My role however is limiting. You'd think that by now (after 3 years of work), I should have been promoted. But no, I have never been promoted. In spite of giving so much, and already achieving the requirement for promotion -- I've recently become a Subject Matter Expert on CRM and Account Administration -- management is still dangling the promotion over my head. Though I'm really grateful to my direct manager, who actually put out a really good word there for me.

Seth Godin advises "Average jobs for average people, and average people for average jobs" and "If the game is designed for you to lose, don't play that game. Play a different one." That gave me some perspective. My job is average, and I know I'm not average. I should play a different game. I guess management does not currently value the work a linchpin can provide. They value cog-work. And I wouldn't want to stay in an organization that is not ready for my gifts.

That is why I'm out here, looking for people and organizations that are ready for me. I've received some rejections on my rejection as the months have gone by. Seth Godin said, “Transferring your passion to your job is far easier than finding a job that happens to match your passion.” I can relate. I actually hold up quite well, partly because I do have a backup plan, which is to apply for a different role in Oracle; but also because I just think that the companies that rejected me are either probably not as good as Oracle, and also do not understand the value of a linchpin.

"How do you get a job in a world filled with me-too resumes and factories? If that is the question, you don't. You won't often be able to persuade the standardized HR system to make an exception. A better plan: find a company that understands the value of the linchpin. Find a company that doesn't use a computer to scan resumes, a company that hires people, not paper."

                                                                                --Seth Godin, Linchpin

I do hope I can find an organization that understands the value of a linchpin. It'll come, and I believe it will come soon. Wherever I may end up in, I'll be sure to give my all.