Avoid Being A Firestarter

Towards the end of 2013, I was in a full-time job I absolutely loathed. I'll spare the details seeing how it's old news but know this; even though I'm a recruiter and I'm selective about what opportunities I show my candidates, when it comes to my own search, I'm also human. I've chosen roles that weren't a good fit. But, live & learn.

So in early 2014, I contacted a former boss who was second in command of HR at a consumer electronics company. I explained that I was unhappy, unchallenged and needed to move on. Knowing me, my abilities as a recruiter and as a person, she offered me a contract recruiting gig on the spot. It was magical! I put in my notice and two weeks later, I started working for myself (as a freelance / contract recruiter) & I've never looked back. Well, maybe a quick glance in the rear view mirror for reflection but nothing else.

Upon exit of that former company ... man, I wanted to verbally tear into the entire leadership staff. I thought about writing negative reviews on Glassdoor & LinkedIn. I even thought about hiring an attorney to sue them for promoting and condoning a hostile work environment. In the end, I didn't do any of those things. I decided to take the high road and leave on good terms. I say this because no matter how difficult the situation, NEVER burn a bridge. We've all had those roles or an ex-boss or an ex-colleague who we wanted to throw into a volcano. But ... down the long & winding road of life, you never know if your paths will cross again and I feel it's better to be politically correct than to set the place on fire.

This mindset has served me well because for the past 10 years, all my business has been repeat business with former clients, candidates etc. Yes, I've had moments where I wanted to burn down the ATS or the HR person standing in my way but as always, I take the high road because in the words of Michelle Obama, "When they go low, we go high."

Happy job hunting!