290: When Professional Meets Awkward: How a Job Interview Took an Unexpected Turn

Send us a text Have you ever faced an interview so awkward that it left you questioning everything? In this episode, I share a hilariously uncomfortable yet eye-opening moment from my mid-career transition—when I found myself in a final-round interview, staring at a superintendent’s exposed belly button. What started as a bizarre wardrobe malfunction became a defining lesson about workplace culture, authenticity, and the power of being true to yourself.  Sometimes, the jobs we don’t get are the ones that save us from environments where we would never thrive. Tune in as I reveal:The unexpected career transition from middle school math teacher to an administrative role.How a final-round interview in a sweltering New Jersey summer took a weird turn.Why I made the bold decision to address the superintendent’s wardrobe malfunction.The painfully awkward silence that followed—and what it revealed about workplace culture.How job rejections can actually be career blessings in disguise.Why staying true to yourself matters more than landing any position. If you"ve ever had an interview moment that made you cringe, you’re not alone! Let’s explore what these moments teach us about career growth and finding the right professional fit. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to get The Mid-Career Job Search Jumpstart and join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community. Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals. Connect with John on LinkedIn here. Get John"s New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John"s YouTube Channel here.