It’s spring, which means you may be on the lookout for a new job – or are about to start one as Merly Kammerling has. She comes with advice.

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At this time of year, an itch can become a full-blown urge to pivot or change careers. You’ve just witnessed the peak season for career moves – January and February. It’s a period of window-shopping for new opportunities, active hunting and resignations. Companies are simultaneously releasing new hiring budgets for 2026, creating a surge in fresh vacancies, and March is akin to the pollination phase for securing a new role with a summer start.

I recently went through the process of pivoting in my career, and I found myself reminded of the emotional parallels between a career change and the dating game, such as excitement, rejection and disappointment. There were also other similarities to relationships that aren’t right; part of me felt overwhelmed by the thought of change and putting myself out there again. However, on the flip side, the thought of continuing in the same vein was scarier than the fear of the former.

Viewing my job search through the lens of dating helped me manage my perception of the interview process. Instead of feeling disarmed by the panic of perceived judgement and the need to be ‘chosen’, I felt more patient, waiting for the right opportunity and curious about assessing the compatibility between me, the interviewer and the company. This new perspective encouraged me to get myself out there and, like flexing a muscle, it got easier every time. I was also more open to initial red flags and reframed rejections and ghosting as a lack of fit that goes both ways, not a personal failure. If a business can’t be bothered to get back to me or provide feedback as promised, it probably says more about the business’s poor communication than about me.

Negotiate terms

I realised some sage wisdom I had collated from previous dates and relationships became valuably applicable to my job-hunting strategy. I wasn’t going to go along with the first opportunity for the sake of it. Instead, I would rather wait for the right company and culture that aligned with my values to come along than force something that smelled off from the get go.

And it’s also OK to negotiate terms – this doesn’t mean you are too demanding; it’s a healthy sign of self worth and boundaries. Last, but by no means least, we all want to coexist in a business where we can be our authentic selves and where a company’s actions speak louder than its empty words. Like the first few months of a relationship, the probationary period is an opportunity for me to see clearly whether reality matches who they say they are.

Treat putting yourself out there in 2026 as exposure therapy for your soul. By actively seeking opportunities and maintaining visibility by networking and getting your CV out there, you aren’t just job hunting – you’re training your brain to navigate uncertainty with a cool composure that translates to every area of life, from the interview room to the dating scene. This resilient strategy forces you to accept that you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s your superpower. It fundamentally reshapes your self perception and mental resilience, reframing rejection as a mere redirection. Ultimately, there is nothing more attractive – or hireable – than a professional who handles the unknown with confidence and self trust.

Merly from @wellandbeinglondon, is now the culture & training manager for MJMK Restaurants