When Looking for a Job, Imagine Yourself as a Renter

You don’t own your job; your employer does, making the phrase “my job” an oxymoron. Layoffs illustrate that jobs belong to employers, not employees. In 2025, as layoffs remain prevalent and the economy becomes more unpredictable, job seekers, as if in denial, continue to equate finding a job with finding a permanent home. This mindset leads to prolonged job searches.

Employees are renters; they rent their jobs until they no longer want them or until their employer no longer requires their services. Layoffs demonstrate that employers are the landlords of jobs. Essentially, being laid off is akin to being evicted. By adopting a renter’s mindset, job seekers can shorten their job search and stop seeking what doesn’t exist—a permanent employment situation.

When renting, the primary goal is to have a roof over your head. Since renting isn’t permanent, we tend to accept ‘less-than-ideal’ circumstances (neighbourhood, kitchen layout, bathroom size). Similarly, in job searching, ‘less than ideal’ circumstances could be a lower salary, working onsite, or a less prestigious company. On the other hand, homeownership, in which understandably ideal circumstances are sought, is a long-term commitment involving a significant financial outlay and is far more challenging than renting.

When looking for a job, consider it as searching for a rental situation that meets your immediate needs rather than pursuing your ideal work situation, which you can always continue to seek. However, keep in mind that whether your job is merely to pay your bills or it’s your supposed “dream job,” you’re renting your job.

For the last 20 years, the gig economy has been a topic of discussion, emphasizing that employees rent their jobs. Now that the gig economy is here, and people lament the broken hiring system.

NEWSFLASH: Since no two employers assess candidates in the same way, there is no universal hiring system; therefore, there is no “broken hiring system.”

Those who take their careers seriously are strategic. They don’t waste time or energy complaining about the imbalance in the employer-employee relationship, especially regarding hiring. When a job posting attracts 1,000 applicants for a single opening, the 999 candidates not selected often blame everyone and everything except themselves, particularly those with a sense of entitlement. Today’s job market, as AI eliminates white-collar and creative jobs, illustrates the interplay between supply and demand. The rapid progress of AI and automation is swiftly eroding job security. In 2025, whether we like it or not, all employees are, to some degree, part of the gig economy.

The Myth of Permanence

Renters understand that their lease will eventually end. Employees must realize that their job, or the one they’re pursuing, will also end. Companies evolve, industries change, and geopolitical interests shift, as is happening now with tariffs. Economies fluctuate, and consumers are fickle in their tastes and demands, which means any job can disappear overnight. Approaching your job search with a renter’s mentality helps you remain flexible and adaptable without succumbing to the pressure of expecting your next job to last until retirement.

Truism: Nothing lasts forever.

Short-Term Mindset, Long-Term Benefits

When you view your job search through the lens of a renter, you prioritize short-term experiences over long-term commitments. Ask yourself: What skills do I need to develop and show a track record of having used to further my career? What experiences will enhance my resume? By focusing on these questions, you can identify roles that meet your immediate needs rather than getting bogged down in trying to find the “perfect” job.

Truism: You can always change jobs.

The Importance of Flexibility

Renters typically have a more flexible mindset. They understand that their landlord may change their living situation and are prepared to adapt. This flexibility is crucial in today’s job market. Instead of fixating on a single role or company, broaden your search. Consider contract, part-time, or freelance positions that can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities, often leading to full-time employment.

Truism: Flexibility isn’t just a trait; it’s a survival skill.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Most renters understand that compromise is necessary; the same applies to job searching. It’s okay not to land your dream job, which will likely be a temporary situation anyway. Have realistic expectations and recognize that obtaining your desired job may take time and require extra effort—such as networking, being active on LinkedIn, and attending relevant industry events—and your journey will likely include detours.

Truism: Patience is a virtue.

Embracing the Journey

Renters understand they don’t own their home; hence, it’s not theirs and, therefore, not permanent. This understanding requires embracing the journey of discovering new neighbourhoods or interacting with evolving neighbours. Even though job searching can be stressful, when approached with curiosity and an open mind, it transforms into an opportunity to explore new possibilities and connect with new people. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to your growth.

Truism: Job searching, as in life, is about the journey, not just the destination.

Adopting a renter’s mindset acknowledges that all jobs are temporary and that employees are now part of the gig economy, encouraging a pragmatic job search strategy. You’re not seeking permanence; you’re actively looking for opportunities that align with your aspirations. Moreover, you recognize that you don’t control employers; you only control your mindset.

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Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.