The Hunt Blog

We have all been there, staring into our closets, deciding what stays and what goes. Some items are easy to part with, while others hold us in the grip of uncertainty or memory. I consider evaluating what items to keep, a seasonal task. It strikes me as akin to how we assess our careers and job satisfaction from time to time.

The Questions We Ask

1. Would I purchase it?
   Closet: Is this item worth the investment if I had to choose again today?
   Career: Would I accept my current role if offered today? What additional research or questions helped me make an informed decision? If hindsight reveals red flags you missed, use that knowledge in future job searches.
2. Have I worn it in the last year?
   Closet: Unused items often signal they no longer serve a purpose or may have been an impulse purchase.
   Career: When did I last feel genuinely engaged in my work? If you cannot remember feeling excited about a project in months, this might indicate stagnation or burnout that needs addressing.
3. Do I feel confident wearing it?
   Closet: Items that make you feel insecure do not deserve closet space.
   Career: Do I project confidence when discussing my work? If imposter syndrome is a constant companion, think about whether your confidence is undermined by the role. You might also need extra training or support.
4. Can I style it in multiple ways?
   Closet: Versatile pieces create more opportunities and combinations to wear.
   Career: Does my current role allow me to use different skills and talents? The most satisfying careers often provide variety. They offer opportunities to gain experience in multiple directions, rather than following a narrow path.
5. Does it still fit?
   Closet: Sadly, for many of us, our bodies change, and so should our wardrobes.
   Career: Am I still a good fit with my team and company culture? As organizations evolve and your values clarify, what once felt comfortable may now feel constraining. Misalignment in values or working styles creates friction that rarely improves without intentional change.
6. Is it still in good condition?
   Closet: Worn-out items diminish your appearance and confidence.
   Career: Has my role deteriorated over time? Toxic environments can negatively impact a job. Reduced resources might cause a position to impede your well-being and professional growth. Shifting expectations can turn a once-great position into a hindrance.
7. Is it taking up valuable space?
   Closet: Every item occupies finite real estate, especially in a New York City apartment.
   Career: Is staying in this position preventing me from pursuing more aligned opportunities? Sometimes, the biggest cost of remaining in a job is missing out on what you could be doing. This aspect is called opportunity cost.
8. Does it spark joy?
   Closet: Marie Kondo teaches how to cut to the important aspects of decluttering.
   Career: Does my work energize me more often than it depletes me? While no job is perfect, the overall effect should be positive rather than draining.

The Letting Go Process

We hold onto clothes for assorted reasons. These include sentimentality, the money spent, and the hope they will fit again someday. In the same way, we cling to jobs that no longer serve us. The reasons often mirror each other. They include financial security, comfort with the familiar, fear of the unknown, or hope that things will improve. 

Career evaluation requires the same ruthless honesty as closet clearing. Sometimes, we must accept that what once suited us may no longer align with who we are. It may not align with who we aspire to be.

Moving Forward

Evaluate your professional “closet”. Decide your next steps.

• Choose to keep and recommit to your current role with renewed appreciation. 
• Tailor your position by seeking adjustments through conversations with management
• Donate by helping someone else step into your role while you move on.
• Replace your role by beginning a search for something that better fits who you are now.

Remember: The purpose of a closet clean-out is not to end up with an empty closet. Instead, it is to create space for what truly serves you. The goal of career reflection is not necessarily to leave your job. It ensures your work continues to support the life you want to live.