Focus on What Matters

Focus on What Matters

Life is full of choices, and when it comes to your career, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important. Over my 30 years in recruitment, I’ve helped countless people—optometrists included—find roles that not only meet their practical needs but also align with their passions and priorities. One thing I’ve learned is this: your career will only thrive when it fits into the bigger picture of your life.

Let me share a story about James, an optometrist I worked with a few years ago. James had been in the industry for over a decade, working for a national chain. From the outside, he seemed to have it all: a steady job, decent pay, and job security. But when we sat down for a conversation, James confessed he felt stuck. He was frustrated by the lack of autonomy and the corporate environment, which left him little room to build meaningful relationships with patients.

At Inspired Recruitment, we specialise in working with optometrists like James to uncover what truly matters to them. Because once you know that, you can find a role that fits not just your skills but your values. Here's how we helped James—and how we can help you.

1. Identify Your Priorities

The first step to finding the right job is understanding what’s important to you. For James, it was the ability to connect deeply with patients and work in an environment that prioritised quality care over sales targets.

We encouraged him to reflect on what mattered most in his life and career. Was it salary? Work-life balance? Career development? For James, it was a combination of autonomy, a supportive team, and the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives.

At Inspired, we take the time to dig deep and ask the questions that matter. What drives you? What do you value most? Once we know the answers, we can focus on roles that align with your priorities.

2. Eliminate Distractions

James had spent years chasing roles that looked good on paper but didn’t fulfil him. When we began working together, I asked him to strip away all the noise—prestige, pressure from colleagues, and even financial fears. What was left was his core desire: to work in a practice that felt personal, where he could thrive professionally and emotionally.

Distractions can cloud your judgement. At Inspired, we help you focus on what really matters so you can find clarity in your career decisions.

3. Practise Essentialism

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my career is that trying to do everything often means you achieve nothing of real value. Essentialism is about focusing on the few things that truly matter and letting go of the rest.

For James, this meant narrowing his job search to independent practices that shared his values. He had to say no to offers from big chains, even though they came with tempting perks. It was a hard decision, but ultimately, it aligned with his priorities.

This is where Inspired shines. We don’t bombard you with irrelevant roles. Instead, we focus on finding the right opportunities—ones that fit your goals, values, and long-term vision.

4. Set Clear Goals

Goals give you direction. For James, his goal was clear: find a role where he could build lasting relationships with patients, have a say in the running of the practice, and feel valued by his team.

We worked with him to create a roadmap, breaking his goal into actionable steps—from updating his CV to preparing for interviews that showcased his unique value. Having clear goals helped him stay focused and motivated, even when the process felt challenging.

If you’re feeling lost, don’t worry—we’re here to guide you. At Inspired, we help you define your goals and create a strategy to achieve them.

5. Develop a Routine

A structured routine is essential when searching for the right job. For James, this meant setting aside time each week to research practices, network with other professionals, and prepare for interviews.

We provided him with the tools and support to stay consistent. With Inspired, you’re never alone. From weekly check-ins to tailored advice, we ensure you stay on track and keep moving forward.

6. Embrace Minimalism

James found clarity when he simplified his approach. He stopped applying for every role that came his way and instead focused only on opportunities that aligned with his values.

At Inspired, we believe in working smarter, not harder. By simplifying the process and focusing on what’s essential, you’ll free up energy to pursue the roles that truly matter.

The Result

Within three months, James secured a role at a thriving independent practice where he now feels at home. He told me, “Mark, I finally feel like I’m part of something meaningful.” He has the autonomy to make decisions, the time to connect with patients, and the supportive team he always wanted.

This isn’t just James’ story—it’s the story of so many optometrists we’ve worked with over the years. When you focus on what matters, everything changes.

How Inspired Recruitment Can Help You

At Inspired Recruitment, we’re not just here to find you a job—we’re here to help you build a career that aligns with your goals and values. We take the time to understand what matters to you so we can match you with roles where you’ll thrive.

If you’re an optometrist feeling stuck or unsure about your next step, let’s have a conversation. Together, we’ll identify your priorities, eliminate distractions, and focus on what truly matters.

Life’s too short to settle for less than you deserve. Focus on what matters and let Inspired Recruitment help you find a role that fits your life, your vision, and your future.

 Mark Goode

CEO Inspired Recruitment

Mark Goode is the CEO of The Inspired Recruitment Group which originated with the inception of Inspired Selections a recruitment agency primarily focused on recruitment in the optical industry before branching out into audiology and pharmaceutical recruitment. New optical opportunities are featured daily here or if you're a business, looking for help with your recruitment needs, get in touch here