Permanence is a myth. You don’t own your job—your employer does. That makes you a renter, not a homeowner, in the world of work. The sooner job seekers adopt this mindset, the faster they’ll land jobs and adapt to a gig economy where flexibility matters more than loyalty.
From Bell Media to Shopify to federal departments cutting staff, Canadian workers are seeing firsthand that jobs can disappear overnight. Yet as cuts continue and the economy grows more unpredictable, many people still approach employment as if they’re seeking a permanent home. This mindset slows them down and leads to unnecessary frustration.
Employees rent their jobs. They hold them until they no longer want them or until their services are no longer needed. Being laid off is essentially an eviction. Accepting this frees job seekers from chasing a permanence that no longer exists and helps them focus on finding work that fits their needs right now.
When you rent a home, you expect to compromise. Maybe the neighbourhood isn’t ideal or the kitchen layout is awkward, but it meets your current needs. The same logic applies to job hunting. Your next role may involve trade-offs: a lower salary, a return to the office or a less prestigious employer. That’s not failure, it’s practicality.
This doesn’t mean giving up on your ideal job. It means being strategic. Find work that offers income, skill development or experience now. You can always move later, just as renters do.
The shift toward short-term, flexible employment isn’t new. The rise of the gig economy has changed how we work and how employers hire. Now that the shift is complete, people are scrambling to adjust, often blaming what they call a “broken hiring system.”
But no such system exists. Employers vary widely in how they evaluate candidates. Since no two companies hire the same way, there’s no universal standard, and no “broken” process to fix. Strategic professionals accept this. Instead of blaming recruiters, algorithms or job boards, they focus on what they can control: mindset, readiness and adaptability.
Consider the scale of competition. When 1,000 people apply for one job, 999 won’t be selected. Some blame the system. Others move on. The labour market is governed by supply and demand, and artificial intelligence is accelerating change. As AI displaces white-collar and creative jobs, it’s clearer than ever that all jobs are temporary.
Think short-term to build long-term
Renters understand that leases end. Employees should expect the same. Companies evolve, industries shift and global events, from tariffs to consumer trends, can upend jobs overnight. If you expect stability, you’ll likely be disappointed. But if you focus on building experience, flexibility and transferable skills, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes next.
Ask yourself: What can I learn in the next 12 months? What accomplishments will strengthen my résumé? What roles can get me there, even if they’re imperfect?
You’re not locked in. You’re building forward.
Be flexible or be left behind
Flexibility isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a survival skill. Don’t limit yourself to one job title, company or format. Many of the most valuable roles today are contract, part-time or freelance, often listed on Job Bank, Magnet or through local chambers of commerce. These roles can lead to full-time work, expand your network or give you the track record needed to make your next move.
And if you’re relying on Employment Insurance or taking a detour through retraining, that’s not a setback. It’s part of the journey.
Accept imperfection and move forward
Not every job will be your dream job, and that’s fine. Just like renting a less-than-perfect apartment, taking a role that isn’t ideal can still serve a purpose. Keep your expectations realistic, your mindset open and your feet moving. Network, show up on LinkedIn, attend industry events. Forward motion matters more than perfect conditions.
Embrace the journey
Renters don’t expect permanence. They know things change, and they stay curious about what’s next. The same mindset transforms job searching from something stressful into something purposeful. Even disappointing roles or missed opportunities leave you with perspective and growth.
The job market is fluid. So be fluid too.
The bottom line: All jobs are temporary. Whether you call it gig work or not, you’re a renter in today’s economy. Stop seeking permanence. Start seeking momentum. You don’t control the employer, but you do control your mindset.
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job.
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