With Valentine’s Day approaching, you’ll see plenty of ads about finding the perfect match. But let’s talk about the relationship where you spend the majority of your waking hours: Your career.
In high-stakes roles like Commercial MEP Sales or Manufacturing Operations, it is impossible to fake passion for long. If you don’t believe in the product you are selling, or you don’t respect the team you are managing, your performance will suffer.
It’s not just about “being happy.” In our industry, loving what you do is a competitive advantage. Here is why you need to find a role that sparks that drive—and how to know if the flame has gone out.
1. Clients Can Smell Apathy
In value-engineering and customized manufacturing, you aren’t selling a commodity; you are selling a solution.
- The Reality: If you don’t love the solution you are offering, your client won’t buy it. Top sales performers consistently tell us that their numbers skyrocketed when they moved to a company where they genuinely believed in the engineering and the delivery capabilities.
2. Management Requires Buy-In
You cannot effectively lead a team of estimators or project managers if you are cynical about the company’s direction.
- The Reality: Your team reflects your energy. If you are checking out mentally, your direct reports will check out physically. Finding a company whose values align with yours isn’t just “fluff”—it’s essential for leadership longevity.
3. Is It Time to Break Up?
How do you know if it’s just a rough patch or if the relationship is over? Ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I feel proud when I tell people where I work?
- Am I learning anything new, or am I just pressing “repeat” on last year?
- Do I trust the leadership team to navigate the market changes in 2026?
If the answer to these is “no,” it might be time to see other people.
The Takeaway Life is too short to dread Mondays. You have the experience and the skills; make sure you are applying them in a place that values them.
Ready to find a match you can get excited about? At 2020 Search Partners, we play matchmaker for the best talent and the best cultures in the industry. Submit Your Resume and let’s find a role you love.
