Second Time Around

“Second time’s a charm”, the saying goes, and there is some truth to it. Left unsaid, of course, is that the first time probably didn’t work, so against that background, a second kick at the can has to have better odds.

Certainly in the professional world we see those coming in from an earlier career generally doing well. We shouldn’t be surprised. Simply by dint of experience, those with previous work history are more likely to hit the ground running than will their fresh-faced peers without the same real world experience.

There are a handful of reasons for this, I think. First is simply a matter of greater earned maturity. Getting up in the morning and going to work is no new thing. Dealing with customers is no novelty. Working with staff and colleagues is a habit already acquired. Handling awkward situations is a skill only learned in the crucible.

But seeking out a new career normally comes after reflection about why your existing job isn’t for you, or at least isn’t optimum for you. In other words, you’ve at least informally analyzed your personal alignment and decided that your giftings and your current clients’ needs were not entirely meant for each other.

Inherent is that you now have a clearer understanding of what your Giftings are. Your new career choice suggests that you now have a better idea of who you are and who needs what you have to offer. This clearer focus will almost invariably set you up for greater success.

Second marriages and relationships typically fare better than the ones they replaced, unless of course you go into Disaster 2.0 not understanding why Disaster 1.0 failed. (Hint: it wasn’t all their fault.)

Second time round works best when first time round was given its best shot, and it works not nearly as well when you walked away from the first without putting in the effort. If I’m hiring a young lawyer who earlier spent five years in the Navy, I’m going to pay particular attention to the referral letters of his former commanding officers. In fact, I’m likely going to want to speak to them to see if he displayed the work ethic, loyalty, and attention to detail that I will want to see in my office.

Second time’s a charm, if following a first time’s best efforts.