The old Jeans trap

Martha had been wearing this comfortable old jeans for almost a decade now. With passing time, the Jeans adjusted itself to give her more comfort than before. She was happy to be able to fit in her old jeans until one day she decided to get a new pair. She realised she has grown two sizes bigger than earlier and the same style and size no longer fit her. Did the old adjusting jeans conceal the changing facts, and didn't raise timely alarm for a need to get fitter.

Is a comfortable old job doing the same to you? Do you really know, what you don’t know?

Having started my career almost two decades back, which would be at-least three tech generations back, I was mentored by people who believed in mastering one task and doing it the whole life. People mastered in specific application servers, or a single database flavour or even granular tasks like preparing CSS, creating macros and so on. With phasing out of many such jobs and technologies, there was a huge flock of middle to senior level people migrating to alternate careers.

When the size or style of jeans that fitted you well, no longer exists in the market, either you have to adjust to a semi comfortable alternative, or workout to fit in. If nothing works, design your new jeans.

Couple of years back I had a feeling of being technically up to the mark. I knew enough and beyond of what was needed within my scope of work. I felt appreciated by people who mattered. All was well until boredom stuck and I casually attended few random interviews. I got a reality check of how under-exposed was I to changing trends.

I was not flexible enough to wear the different jeans I was attracted towards. I decided to exercise and workout till I gain my flexibility back.

Attending seminars, workshops or even interviews, is a good way to meet people outside your routine circle. Your inner circle is your comfort zone, they love you and you love them even if either one is intolerable. The outer circle will tell you what you come across as.

After been exposed to all available avenues you decide to continue what you are doing, Congratulations, you are at the right place doing the right thing :).

Also if the new Jeans is way too uncomfortable feel free to change again or even mend the old one.

No job suits all, keep an open mind in separating a can’t fit and need fitting roles. If you can’t fit in a role even after working towards it, move on.

PS: love your old jeans as long as you want. Make sure you know what to wear and how to wear when the old one cannot be used any more.