I was talking to a client just now, we’ll call him Jack. Jack was very specific about the kind of role he wanted this time around. In his mid-fifties Jack was no longer interested in climbing the endless treadmill of promotion and empire building; instead work-life balance and geography—getting a job close to home was something that meant much more to him over status alone.

Clearly Jack’s needs are important, but what makes Jack think, or anyone think for that matter that he or she doesn’t have the power to choose exactly what they want anyway? It’s very unlikely that an individual would apply for a 120 hour-a-week CEO role and then demand a multinational corporation provide him or her with the right work-life balance! The fact is, you have all the power! You apply for the role that will suit you and by doing that, you then don’t feel the need to “lay down the law” on what you want the employer to do for you. The freedom you experience and the comfort you get from knowing you are in charge, allows you to know that when you choose the right job, you will be happy, and you will be the most value to your employer, because that job aligns with your needs, passions and values.

Your resume should position you as a professional with all the skills and confidence you have, so that you can apply for the types of roles that meet your needs; the chance of a corporation changing to accommodate you, is somewhat unrealistic.

Start by writing down what is important to you. What sort of role, workplace, people would you like to work with? In what sort of environment? What do you like doing best? By ascertaining your passions you are more likely to seek out the type of jobs that suit you, and you’ll be infinitely happier and more valued employee.

You have the power over your own career; make the choices that fulfill you and everyone will benefit.