Ireland has been positively alive with cultural superstars and it’s not over yet! I’ve challenged myself on the question: “What does your job do for you?”
My pick of the week event so far this year has been with the wonderful literary sensation, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Some members of the RECRUITERS team were lucky enough to secure tickets to the sold-out show (the work event doesn’t do it justice) and headed into the Dublin Convention Centre on Wednesday, 16th May to witness the multiaward-winning author whose feminist icon status has led her to enable even Hilary Clinton to rethink her self-definition.
Chimamanda had plenty to discuss, but in her clear, practical, intelligent way, she was able to include some insight into her own decision-making, career choices and influences. Something we should all consider when selecting where to work and why?
She repeatedly asked us to consider what our jobs do for us. Having abandoned a potential career in the medical field and walking away from her university course to pursue her writing career, she took many risks.
What she chose didn’t offer any security or indeed an obvious path, which essentially enabled her to (literally) write her own. It worked out. Chimamanda has become a beacon in the literary world and a massive talent. But she may never have realised this without looking closely at what she wanted from her professional life. She accepted what she wanted and stayed true to herself.
“It’s not your job to be likeable, it’s your job to be yourself”
– Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
However, as I sat listening from a recruitment perspective, I made a mental note to make sure to add this crucial layer when asked for advice from a candidate. Just, what is your current job doing for you? Because, I think there are plenty out there who forget that steps must be taken to reach a goal, sometimes forward, sometimes back (like Chimamanda), sometimes sideways. But it’s where you're heading that’s important.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and I’d be more than happy to discuss it further. I feel very strongly about this and I’m only too happy I got to meet the inspirational Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in person.
Let your next dream job find you. Simply register your CV with us and/or create job alerts tailored to your specific career preferences. Sit back and let us do the hard work on your behalf. Feeling confused about your career? We’ve got everything you need to know about progression, new jobs and happiness in your career right here.
By Jane Gormley
