Every job we take is a step in our career. But how do we know this job is the best step for our career…today?
Start by stepping back.
Remember when we were kids? Our career goals changed weekly. My first one was being a fireman. Why? Saw a big hook and ladder truck go by. Seemed exciting. Next Bulldozer operator. Why? Watched major interstate road construction site. Making lives easier for travelers. Then Airline pilot. Why? Visited airport and everybody seemed to be having good time. (Remember, that was decades ago.) A little older, astronaut. Then that was not enough, I had to walk on the moon.
Think back to those days. Write them all down. Those were kid dreams. But what were the common denominators? Was it excitement? Serving others? Contributing to mankind? Making a difference? Feeling important or valued?
My common denominators? Serving people. Giving back. Making work and lives enjoyable.
To finish my story. After college bounced between several jobs for 10 years. By accident fell into job I loved. First in charge of management/executive recruiting at Fortune 100 company. Then my own Executive Search firm. Hit every one of my common denominators from childhood.
Is your current job meeting some of your common denominators? Odds are those denominators are still important to you today. But have you set them aside?
We grow up. Set new career goals. Objectives we want to reach in life.
Along the way? We tend to forget the dreams we had as kids. We start to rely on advice from other people on how to structure our careers. I was told I should become a doctor. Never mind that math and science were my worst subjects in high school.
Start by stepping back. Formative years we were identifying things that inspired us. Motivated us. Made us feel good. Or more important. Valued. Of use.
Before looking for your next job. Think back to those days.
Write down the 5 character traits that were most important growing up. Are they still important to you today? If so, is your current career fulfilling them?
If not, why not? It’s your life and your career.
Maximize your potential.
While you are maximizing potential, live the life of your dreams. Not doing that, today? Start…with your next job. It is never to late to start a new career.
Each time we consider a job or career change is new opportunity.
Last week, had wonderful conversation with individual in their late 50’s. Salary over $300,000 a year. But career was not satisfying.
Reflecting back on his common denominators he realized it was time to do something else. Jobs that fit new interests? Paid less than half current salary. Rather than give up the dream. Stepped back.
Reflecting back on his common denominators he realized it was time to do something else. Jobs that fit new interests? Paid less than half current salary. Rather than give up the dream. Stepped back.]
He wrote down list of current skills. Then list of top 10 career accomplishments. Stepped back further. How could he apply those to his new career interests? (Actually, unfulfilled interests going back decades.)
Next, he interviewed people in career he wanted to pursue. Several of his top skills appeared to be missing in businesses he talked with. Went back and talked with them again about skill sets they were missing and how he could assist them.
He started doing little consulting, while continuing in current leadership role
Within 2 years he had built consulting, in field he loved that motivated him every day. Not quite to salary he walked away from. Close enough that family lifestyle stayed same.
Asked him what motivated him to make radical career change?
His answer?
Stepping back.
Deciding he should be pursuing career he loved.
Maximizing his potential in something he enjoyed. Versus something he was just very good at.
Finding another way.”Not accepting that I had to take huge pay cut to do what I loved.”
Fullfilling my dream.
Result: “Family says they have never seen me happier. I’m enjoying life. No longer think about retirement. Old career? I couldn’t wait to retire and walk away. Now, work is fun. I used to preach that to my teams. But I forgot I was supposed to do that too! got myself trapped in former career, just because it paid well. Best suggestion I can give: Live your career dreams.”
Summary
Revisit your childhood dreams. Write down the common denominators.
Revisit your childhood dreams. Write down the common denominators.
Identify your top 5 character traits. How many do you have in current job?
Is current job meeting some of your common denominators and character traits? No? Start identifying career paths that are more fulfilling. Change your situation.
Maximize your potential…by doing something you love. (At least like a lot.) When we love what we do, it’s no longer work.
Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecureEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecureEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.
