by Dan Gathof
With Halloween just around the corner, the air is filled with a backdrop of thrills, excitement, and fear. One of my Halloween memories scared the pants off of me – though, to be fair, I wasn’t wearing pants as I was dressed up as the Pope, complete with a pope-dress.
I was in 5th grade and was out with a small group of friends, and we had no chaperone—a norm in my neighborhood at the time. The only parental expectations were to avoid trouble and serial killers while filling my pillowcase full of goodies.
Our group costumes were classic: a ghost, a cheerleader, a devil, and a vagabond. Though we were all roughly the same age, we approached our trick-or-treating like seasoned professionals. No lollygagging—just a swift exit from each porch as we strategically planned our route to the houses giving out full-sized candy bars while dodging the ones offering popcorn balls and candy apples.
After about an hour, the night had turned dark, and our progress was impressive. On a quiet street, we decided to turn a corner and explore a side road. Almost immediately, we came face to face with Bob Norming and his group of thugs.
They were all dressed up as delinquents, hooligans and ruffians, which is to say that none of them were dressed up. Bob and his crew surrounded us, eyeing our candy with predatory grins. Bob said to the only female in our group “what are you going to do if we take all of your candy?” Sarah said, “I’d cry.” I was terrified – really terrified. I could run, but my flowing dress and Pope hat would only slow me down. I could stand up to the bullies but that seemed literally out of character and I’m certain that I would have gotten a papal pulping. I chose to do nothing.
Fortunately, Bob looked at us and decided that we weren’t worth his effort. He and the goonies just pushed us aside and moved on. Our candy was safe, but I sometimes wonder “what if we never turned that corner?”
In much the same way, as we navigate our career choices, we often face critical corners that can lead us to new opportunities or unforeseen challenges. The decision to stay in our current role, pursue a new opportunity, or wait for the “perfect” job can feel daunting. Just like my holy showdown, these choices carry risks, and our fears can paralyze us.
As we approach our own crossroads in recruitment and career development, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Consider what you value most: stability, growth, or new experiences. Reflect on your long-term goals and how each choice aligns with them.
To navigate these decisions effectively, take time for self-reflection. Ask yourself what you truly want from your career. Research potential employers and roles, network with others in your field, and assess the risks associated with each option. Don’t forget to trust your instincts—sometimes your gut feeling can guide you more effectively than logic alone.
Remember, every corner turned presents a new set of possibilities and challenges. Whether you decide to stay and grow where you are, take a leap toward something new, or wait for the perfect fit around the corner, the key is to keep moving with intention, prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Hire Thought
When it comes to career choices, maybe the ideal Halloween costume would be a Warrior, Knight, Lion, Superhero, or Astronaut—all symbols of courage. Whether you’re battling a fear of missing out, hesitating to make a change, or waiting for the ‘perfect’ role, remember there’s always something around the corner. It could be a trick, or it could be your next big treat. Just be brave and thoughtful enough to find out.
