Finding Direction in Detours

I’m starting to wonder if I’m part of a disappearing species, the kind of worker who shows up every day, on time, ready to give their best. The kind who takes pride in their work, stays late when needed, and believes that effort matters. Lately, I’ve been hiring, and it’s felt less like recruiting and more like searching for a unicorn.

Where are the candidates who care about the job, not just the paycheck? Where are the people who understand that work is a relationship, not a transaction?

Today, someone came in for an interview wearing stained sweatpants, a dirty sweatshirt, mismatched socks, and bedhead, not the trendy kind, but the “I just rolled off my parents’ couch” kind. No shower. No effort. No sense that this moment mattered.

I don’t say this to shame anyone. I say it because I’m genuinely asking: What is going on?

Is it burnout? Is it resentment toward executives and corporate structures? Is it the feeling that hard work no longer leads to opportunity, that the system is rigged, so why bother? I don’t know. But I do know that something has shifted.

I’ve worked in HR long enough to know that culture matters. That leadership matters. That people want to feel seen, valued, and respected. But I also know that respect goes both ways. Showing up matters. Effort matters. Pride in your work matters.

I’m not asking for perfection. I’m asking for presence. For people who want to be part of something, not just collect a check. For people who believe that how you show up says something about who you are.

So yes, I’m tired. But I’m also hopeful. Because I believe there are still people out there who care. Who want to grow. Who want to contribute. Maybe we just need to meet each other halfway, with honesty, dignity, and a little more humanity.