July 2025
One of the most common—but least talked about—reasons a new hire doesn’t work out is this: their personal life simply isn’t in a place to support the transition.
Starting a new job is a major life change. If someone is navigating personal stress, instability, or logistical challenges, even the right role at the right company can fail to stick. It’s not always about skill or desire—it’s about timing and capacity.
Sometimes, the best support you can offer a candidate is to recognize that now might not be the moment for a leap. Something simpler, more flexible, or less demanding may be the right bridge until life settles.
For hiring leaders trying to get ahead of this, here are three questions worth asking:
- “What would need to be true in your personal life for this job change to feel like the right decision?”
- “If you were to accept this position, what kind of support system do you have in place to help you succeed in the first 90 days?”
- “Can you see any personal commitments or outside responsibilities that might compete with the demands of this role?”
You can also consider using assessments that measure stress or cognitive load—these can offer helpful insight into a candidate’s current capacity for change.
A great hire is about readiness, not just fit. And sometimes, the best hire is the one you make when the timing is right.