Who really sets out in life knowing exactly what they want to be when they ‘grow up?’
And who in today’s world ends up in that place?
Hats off to you if you are one of the lucky few who can tick this box. Some of you may have started on the path to your dream job, or maybe you’ve taken twists and turns and transitioned into a whole new space. Or even taken the plunge and decided to go it alone with a start-up.
We’ve all heard the many stories from the last few months of people rethinking – through choice or circumstance – which path they should be on. Lifelong straight career paths are becoming a thing of the past and a more flexible approach seems to be a thing of the here and now.
But what’s the fuel that gets you there?
My ‘squiggly career’
One of the many books that have inspired me lately is ‘My Squiggly Career’ by Helen Tupper. A very insightful review of how career planning is shifting to become more fluid as a result of the changing environment and impact of technology on our lives. It talks a lot about mindset shifts, and this got me thinking.
So, I sat back to map out my own ‘journey’, which doesn’t look all that well planned:
- Age 5-10 sweet shop owner (a dream – had to sell sherbet dips)
- Age 10-15 vet (a dream – James Herriot my hero)
- Age 15-20 journalist or presenter (an idea – sounded cool)
- Age 21 – elephant whisperer (true story)
- Age 22-42 – marketer with a few different hats (real)
- Age 42-47 – customer/data start-up agency (real)
- Since then – consultant, coach, hypnotherapist (real)
Does this resemble the perfect career path? Should I have taken time and sought advice to plan it better?
My biggest learning
What was my biggest learning in doing this exercise?
That I have a thirst for knowledge, a desire to try new things, to find out more about myself.
That was the fuel that kept me going.
When I really look into the roles I’ve enjoyed, the sideways leaps I’ve made, this is the one clear theme that shines through. I’ve relished tackling problems and pushing into areas I knew very little about.
On the other side, risks have been calculated and the moves have felt like a natural step forward from where I was at the time, speaking to the values which signpost everything I do: security, reason, judgement.
Why are YOU doing what you do?
Have you ever asked yourself this question? Possibly not, as it tends to be one we tackle when we’re in the middle of trying to manage transition, and we often find ourselves just putting one step in front of the other to do this.
But what if you took the time to really reflect on this question. And then ask yourself:
- What are the things that drive me, the things that characterise my approach to my life and career? Am I feeding these strengths with what I’m doing, or neglecting them? Are there obvious high and low points?
- What do I value – what matters most to me? Is my path true to these things? If not, do I have a plan to work towards them?
Once we understand the fuel that keeps us going, we have the power to make better decisions. To do more of what we love, and less of what we don’t.
If you want help to move on in your life, to take stock of HOW you’re living your life, WHAT you want and WHO you want to be, get in touch for a free discovery chat. Contact me on jane@mynextme.co.uk.
(Image by Robert Anasch on Unsplash)