Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, replaced fellow Republican John Boehner of Ohio as Speaker of the House in late October 2015. Ryan did so with reservations about his new role, and only ran after he forced his party to make concessions regarding his personal values and work ethic. Job seekers can learn a few lessons about how Ryan handled his new position during the political interview process.
Among Ryan's demands during negotiations included weekends off to spend time with his children and some of his party's critics felt as if the new Speaker of the House made unreasonable assertions, according to Forbes. However, Ryan's position illustrates a new paradigm regarding job seekers and work-life balance. Instead of complying with everything an employer wants, candidates should be upfront about what they need so they can achieve greater happiness in a job.
Candidates who say what an employer wants to hear may land the job, but in just a few short months, that shiny position can turn into employee disengagement, unhappiness and an unsuccessful experience. Businesses also have a duty and responsibility to job seekers when it comes to relating what they can expect at a firm. Some employees find that the job description lent nothing to their expectations of the position. What seems like a great brand on the outside may be something completely different once an employee starts working there.
The Internet may provide a way for job seekers and companies level the playing field. LinkedIn and social media give employers a way to see potential candidates in real settings as opposed to a job interview. Websites such as Glassdoor and CareerBliss inform potential employees as to what really goes on behind the scenes.
Job seekers can save themselves a lot of trouble later by taking into account a few aspects of their own lives. Does this job ascribe to the job seeker's personal values? Did the candidate express and communicate important values ahead of accepting the position? Does the job have enough flexibility for the worker?
One way to weed through the many jobs available centers on finding a company culture that meshes well with the candidate. Potential employees should only apply for jobs that mesh with their personal values, that way the problem of job unhappiness stops before it even starts. Employees should remember that finding the right job doesn't necessarily mean more money. When a candidate feels devalued and seems like a waste of talent, perhaps it's time to move onto better things.
If attitudes reflect leadership, Ryan has set a good example for people who want to spend more time with family. Job seekers should try to get everything they want without compromising the most treasured aspects of their lives. Job happiness and life satisfaction can happen, so long as potential candidates stick to their values.
Photo courtesy of monkeyz_uncle at Flickr.com
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