Jason Fried of 37Signals (now Basecamp) wrote something about hiring that really resonates with me.
When I hire designers, I look for future perfect people. Some people have the potential, but they haven’t had the opportunities. Their portfolios are full of mediocre work, but it’s not because they’re mediocre designers. It’s because they’ve been given mediocre opportunities.
While it’s a bonus to find that perfect person today, I find more it more rewarding (for me and them) to pluck the future perfect person out of their mediocre job today. I love betting on people with potential. When they finally get that chance to do their best work, they blossom in such a special way.
I’m in the midst of finding a new job and it’s been a tough journey. Editing, proof-reading and refining the résumé for different applications. It takes time, effort and they’re energy sapping.
When I don’t hear from the hiring companies, it makes me wonder if they’ve indeed filter through and decided I’m not the right man for the job. It’s also depressing to go through period like this, where the next step is uncertain and the future appears bleak.
The only thing that keeps me going is the unconditioned support from my partner. She’s the one that kept me positive and looking forward with hope. I’m also very fortunate to be surrounded by understanding friends who really comprehend my situation and see the direction I’m pursuing.
Taking a risk without any plans may be foolish, but it’s a calculated gamble in my view. I have to take a step out to see the bigger picture. If I forever remain boxed in the environment, it’s impossible to see any light at the end of the tunnel.
Sometimes in this situation, all that’s needed is a lucky break, an opportunity to show what you can be, years down the road. Because the future you will be awesome.