It's all starting to look the same to me.
My LinkedIn feed is full of bad interview scenarios, tips for being successful at interviews, lots and lots and LOTS of bragging, and very little of substance.
Sometimes I come across something original and interesting, but not enough to make me want to apply for any jobs on the platform. Indeed isn't much better. So far, I'm just not finding how I fit into the business world today.
At this point in my life, I'm looking for a rare combination of drive, kindness, and a focused, righteous mission. A belief in people beyond the two dimensional paper or file that is a resume or video call. I'm craving that third dimension with humanity.
Granted, I'm fine with a remote online work life. Totally fine, but if it's a vacuum that has no flesh and blood, and it feels empty to me. Admittedly, I am no extrovert. I ride the line and usually fall to the introverted side because I start to wear out from the human energy around me. I'm not saying it's bad energy. I just get overwhelmed from being “on.”
Mostly, I really do believe the world is about to boomerang (or maybe it's already turning) to a less tech driven place. Some Gen Z people are ditching dating apps for the old fashioned way of meeting people. If this is true, then I have so much faith in the human being's design. We are not built to exist in the ether. We are social creatures who gravitate towards each other. Surely there are those who prefer the virtual world, and that's ok, but connection in the flesh adds layers of communication that you just can't get from a screen.
This is why I'm stalling. I don't really want to exist in the virtual world exclusively. That's what my last job became. In fact, the company recently closed the physical office in Austin. It's like people are the last priority, and the only way to save what jobs are left is to ditch the office lease as a measure of EBITDA.
I firmly believe the professional world needs to rewind a bit and look at who drives success. Ping pong tables and beer fridges are not how to nurture the drivers. Real honest connection drives them. If you've followed this blog, you know that I challenged leaders to stop and take time to really connect with workers. I challenged them to make one minute of their busy day feel like much longer when it comes to connecting. And value what those workers have to say. Leaders are walking through company doors as entry level workers every day. A well tempered ego will help the boss see that.
In the meantime, I'm so interested in what people think matters the most. I'm interested in individual dreams and the intersection of those dreams. That place of balance that is good for all; not just a few.