Finding the Right Fit: Why Office Environment Matters More Than You Think

Office Workers

Some of you know that earlier this year, I left my job to start a new role at a different company. I was genuinely excited—ready for a fresh opportunity and burned out from dealing with the owner at the screen printing company. The new position seemed promising. The owner of the jewelry company had read many of the same books I love—The Power of Now, The Secret—so I thought we’d be aligned in mindset and values.

Boy, was I wrong.

Sure, I get it. When you start somewhere new, you often have to prove yourself. You work your way up. That wasn’t the issue. What I wasn’t ready for was the toxic undercurrent I encountered. It was a small company, and with that came a very tight-knit (and not always kind) environment. The owner may have read the same books as me, but the way he lived was far from those teachings—especially when I saw his Facebook post ranting that “haters can keep hating.” That didn’t exactly scream “enlightened leader.”

Add to that an accounting manager who constantly criticized everyone—except her daughter, who also worked there—and the vibe became unbearable. By the end of the second month, I was already eyeing the door.

After finishing my 90 days, I stopped by my old company to run a few reports as a favor. Later that day, the VP approached me with an unexpected offer—he wanted me back, but in a new department. I hesitated at first, weighing the pros and cons. But the pay was better, and honestly, I had missed the camaraderie and laughter of my old team.

I said yes—and I’ve never looked back.

There’s something to be said for an environment that just fits. Somewhere where you’re surrounded by people who genuinely care and lift each other up. I’ve learned that yes, we should embrace opportunities for growth—but also know when something simply isn’t aligned. And when that happens, trust that another door is waiting to open… sometimes right where you least expect it.

Making Half the Attempt isn't Enough

Yesterday, I went to Sunday service as part of our weekly ritual, and the sermon really hit home. The message was all about “teaching an old dog new tricks.” It reminded me how easy it is to get caught up in our routines and become complacent. We stop asking ourselves what we can do to grow, to improve, to become better. But being a good Christian—and a good human—means striving to be the best version of ourselves every day.

We're not perfect, and we’re not meant to be, but that doesn't mean we stop trying.

One line that has always stuck with me came from a very unlikely source: my old “internship” at a record label in my early 20s. That experience was one of the most difficult times in my life—full of deceit, manipulation, and pressure to do things I was never meant to do. But the man who put me through all that used to say one thing over and over: “Don’t do things half-ass.” As strange as it sounds, that phrase became a sort of mantra for me.

Why? Because deep down, we all know when we’re not giving our best. When you’re just checking off boxes at work, when you’re telling someone half the truth, when you’re doing just enough to say you did it—you feel it in your gut. That’s not effort. That’s avoidance.

I was also recently at an event featuring a panel of men who had reached the peak of their careers—executives from places like Red Lobster and Walt Disney World. One of them, the Brand Manager at Red Lobster, said something that echoed the same sentiment: “If you want to grow in your career, do something outside of your job description.” Your job description is just a guideline. It’s what you do beyond that that sets you apart.

The pastor even told a story about his dog—how he always knew when his dog had done something wrong because it would show guilt and shame without a word being said. That struck me. We’re the same way. When we know we’re phoning it in, we feel that guilt in our spirit.

Doing the bare minimum might get you by, but it won’t make you better. True growth comes from doing more than what’s expected—being honest with yourself and showing up fully.

So here’s my takeaway: If you want to level up—spiritually, professionally, or personally—you have to give more than half the effort. You have to show up with your whole heart. Anything less, and you’re only cheating yourself.