I am confused and a little torn.
I sent a proposal for a project I was excited about—one that felt like a great match for my skills and experience. I shared it with two agencies involved in the decision-making process, but their responses couldn’t have been more different but also bought the same concern for me.
One agency shot me down instantly.
They told me, “You’re too niche; there’s nothing here for you.” When I asked for a conversation to explain my transferable skills and how they applied to this project, I was told they were “too busy.” For a very well known large organisation whose purpose is to understand and connect talent, this response felt dismissive and, honestly, disappointing.
The other agency took the time to have a conversation.
They gave me constructive feedback on my strengths and areas for improvement to help with the process. That was so helpful and appreciated!
But then came the kicker: I was asked to change my proposal to look like everyone else’s.
Here’s where I felt torn. The project requires creative and critical thinking—qualities I pride myself on. Yet now I was being asked to “blend in” and be like everyone else.
It made me reflect on the tension we often face in our professional lives:
We’re told to stand out, bring our unique perspective, be innovative, do things differently
But not too much and only if it fits the mould.
This experience reminded me of the importance of valuing transferable skills—the ability to adapt, connect experiences, and bring fresh perspectives. Rather than boxing someone in – there is something valuable in thinking differently, a new lens, bringing knowledge from experience rather than what ticks the boxes of how it has always been done.
I know that there is processes to follow and these people are performing their role with limited time and resources. This is not about the outcome of this proposal.
It is a question what possibilities we are missing out on if we don’t look outside the box or stay with preconceived ideas. What could be gained from seeing that there is potential in bringing something into the mix that is a little different than the criteria you are used to.
The tension we face in our professional lives
