I was driving over the causeway this past week (ok at least 16-20 times) on my way to or from our beach rental. There was constant movement all week to and from Apalachicola to St George Island. What a beautiful place! It was another sunny day and I was relaxing and listening to the radio – just chilling… It’s the first real vacation I have taken in nearly two years. Yep. It’s been a bit of a grind in the search business but we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
My cell phone went off and I took the call. Bad move. It was a candidate who was ready talk and wanted to use me as a sounding board. He had finally made the mental decision to leave his current employer. He was done. As he talked I gave him my undivided attention. As he talked about his distaste for his employer it was clear to me he was tired of talking and ready to make a move. I smiled – because at that very moment, my favorite Meatloaf song began playing on the radio. I did not turn the radio up – but I did notice similarities in the conversation I was having and the lyrics of the song. It was a bit surreal.
He went on to tell me he wanted to stay and needed to stay but he hated his job. I thought to myself- Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad.
That seems to be the party line for many candidates who are all of the sudden calling us – ready to bail. They want to stay, they need to stay but they do not love their job. Well, in my opinion if you don’t have a passion for what you are doing and don’t love your job – GET OUT.
Baby we can talk all night – But that ain’t gettin us nowhere
I told you everything I possibly can – There’s nothing left inside of here
And maybe you can cry all night – But that’ll never change the way I feel
The snow is really piling up outside – wish you wouldn’t make me leave here
I poured it on and I poured it out – I tried to show you just how much I care
I’m tired of words and I’m too hoarse to shout – But you’ve been cold to me so long
I’m crying icicles instead of tears – And all I can do
Is keep on telling you – I want you (I want you)
I need you (I need you)- But-there ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you
Now don’t be sad (Don’t be sad) – ‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad
Baby we can talk all night
But that ain’t gettin us nowhere
The name of the album echoed a loud message on how quickly he would be departing from his current job. Like a “Bat Out Of Hell.”
Employers need to evaluate their retention plans – and soon!
If not, my exit meter tells me that many more will be singing that same tune.
Great post Tim from a fellow Meatloaf lover… “It was a hot summer night and the beach was …..”
As the HC IT market is heating up I think there will be tremendous game of musical chairs as options develop for Mr and Ms 2 out of 3 ain’t bad!
Absolutely Joe. Many candidates I speak to have “no love” for their current employer and are just waiting for the markets to turn before “leaving their hell”.
They want ’em – they need ’em they just don’t love ’em!
And… leave they will.