I’m Leaving “Like a Bat Out Of Hell”

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.

About the author

Tim Tolan

Tim Tolan is the Senior Partner of the Healthcare IT and Services Practice of Sanford Rose Associates. He has conducted searches for CEOs, presidents, senior vice presidents, vice presidents of business development, product development and sales. Tim is also the co-author of "The CEO’s Guide to Talent Acquisition – Finding Talent Your Competitors Overlook," available on Amazon.

2 Comments

  • 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.

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