Ah, love is in the air this month, and what better time to reflect on the most important relationships in our lives? While Valentine’s Day focuses on romantic partnerships, have you ever thought about how choosing a job is eerily similar to choosing a spouse? Both are major life decisions. Both involve a courtship phase with hope and desire for longevity. And both, if mishandled, can lead to heartbreak—or at least a lot of awkward conversations.
Let’s explore this light-hearted parallel and what it reveals about how we might improve the way we approach job hunting and hiring, not to mention marriage. Spoiler alert: Both require a lot more thought than the modern speed-dating app approach allows.
The Marriage-Interview Connection
Think about how we choose a spouse. Ideally, you don’t just meet someone at a party and declare, “You’ll do!” Instead, there’s a process—a courtship. You date, spend time in different settings, meet the family (and that one weird cousin), have long, heartfelt conversations, and slowly determine whether you’re a “good fit” and ready to commit. Despite all this effort, the divorce rate is still around 44%, with the remaining 56% of marriages ending in… well, death. Not exactly the most comforting odds, huh?
Now, compare that to the hiring process. You might get introduced to an employer by a mutual friend or a recruiter (networking for the win!) or “meet” them on a professional dating site like LinkedIn. After some initial flirtation—an email or maybe a phone call—you’re thrown into what feels like speed dating. A 30-minute Zoom call, a quick coffee or lunch (onsite interview), maybe a second meeting, and suddenly, they’re ready to pop the question: “Will you join us?”
Hold on, buddy. We haven’t even talked about the in-laws (company culture), your weird family traditions (policies and workflows), or that cousin who eats all the snacks in the breakroom (every workplace has one). No wonder hospital turnover rates hover around 20% annually — and only 10-15% of hospital employees will stay with the same employer for their entire career. Even marriages have better odds!
A New Approach to Lasting Relationships—And Jobs
So how do we fix this? Both marriage and hiring share one simple truth: lasting relationships depend on more than just finding “the right one.” It’s about doing the hard work upfront to make sure you’re prepared for the long haul. Here are some light-hearted (but entirely applicable) suggestions for improving outcomes in both areas:
- Know what you’re looking for. Before you start dating—or job hunting—define your priorities. What qualities matter most to you in a partner (or employer)? Whether it’s shared values, common interests, long-term stability, or just great snacks in the breakroom, clarity is key.
- Go in with eyes wide open. No one is perfect, and neither is any job. Ask the hard questions. How does the company handle conflict and/or change management? What’s their turnover rate? Is there room for growth? Is it a culture of empowerment with accountability or micromanagement? You wouldn’t propose to someone without understanding their core values and knowing their future plans—apply the same logic to your job search.
- Don’t just find the right partner—be the right partner. It’s easy to focus on what you want, but lasting relationships are about mutual effort. Whether you’re an employee or employer, ask yourself: “What can I bring to the table?” Employers create environments where people feel valued, engaged, and want to stay. Employees bring a commitment to grow and contribute to the organization’s success.
- Test the waters first. Marriage counselors often suggest pre-marital counseling. Why not apply this to jobs? Contract-to-perm positions or even shadowing a potential team for a day could give both parties a clearer picture before committing. Informally contacting existing or previous employees in your network to glean an inside perspective can be as invaluable for a candidate as it is for a prospective employer to speak with current and former colleagues about a candidate’s work style and teamwork.
Love, Work, and the Long Haul
As funny as it may be to compare marriage to job hunting, the truth is clear: relationships—whether romantic or professional—thrive on intentionality, clarity, authenticity, and effort. This Valentine’s Day, take a moment to reflect not just on your love life but on your career. Are you pursuing opportunities with the same care you’d give to finding a life partner?
If not, maybe it’s time for a change. After all, love and loyalty aren’t just for your personal life—they’re the foundation of a fulfilling career, too.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Let Health Career Talent help you find the perfect match—professionally speaking, of course. Contact us today and discover opportunities that align with your goals, values, and ambitions.