I work in advertising. Which means I tend to move jobs often. As creative folk, we're always chasing the most interesting projects, opportunities with the best clients, chances to work at the best agencies and, let's be honest, dolla dolla bills (yes, I'm not ashamed to admit that I binge-watched all of Empire this weekend and LOVED it). As a result, I've been fortunate enough to have worked at some of the best agencies in Manhattan.
However, if you've ever changed jobs before, you know that job hunting can be exhilarating, frustrating, unnerving, exhausting, and of course exciting. It's kind of like dating multiple people at the same time.
You've probably heard the old adage that 'it's easier to look for a new job when you have one'. Which is true. You look infinitely more appealing to an employer when you are employed and merely looking for a new opportunity than if you were to say have been let go from your previous job or, quit without a backup. It's just human nature. We want what others want. Just like when you're dating--much as we try to convince ourselves otherwise, people look more appealing/mysterious when they're unavailable.
That said, let me just say that looking for a new job while holding a steady, full time job is the WORST. How many doctors' appointments can you conjure up or vague meetings can you reference without raising suspicion? Not to mention, interviews tend to get longer the more senior level you become--prospective employers want you to meet with multiple team members to ensure it's a good fit. But...that also means taking three-hour breaks in the middle of the day. Which is just always going to be stressful. Now, think about what it feels like to explain to that person you've been chatting with for a week or so and are ready to actually meet, (yay!) that you can't--for the next two weeks.
I experienced this deceptive dance a few weeks ago. I started a new job just last week. But right prior, while in the midst of interviewing and figuring out the subsequent logistics that came along with my future employment, it kind of sucked. I was traveling for business with a number of coworkers while all of these conversations were taking place. Throughout the whole trip, I felt like I was cheating on each and every one of my beloved former coworkers. During the day, I'd act as though everything was copacetic when in fact, my behind the scenes conversations were about to upset the apple cart in a big way. Sneaking off to take phone calls, thinking about what it would be like moving in to a new company, imagining the new benefits...
Fortunately, this most recent move was one of the most seamless and fast-moving decision making processes I've experienced so far and I didn't have to keep up the charade for too long. I still of course felt massively guilty when I finally did tell my former employer that I was leaving, but I imagine I would have felt that way regardless of how everything had played out.
These decisions are never easy--they're just a part of the job. But if I had to pick, I'd say that dating drama is preferable over job-drama, any day. And as I perpetually search for my 'Mr. Right', I can at least take comfort in knowing that my latest job move feels like a keeper.