Finding Clarity and Purpose in Your Career Path
I am 52 and still figuring it out. What is comforting is, that whilst navigating the transition space for the past 18 months, I have realised that I am not alone. I have connected with many, who like myself, came to the realisation that whilst successful in their careers to date, are not entirely fulfilled. There is “something” missing. That “something” often being difficult to label or put your finger on; and hence difficult to act on. So the tendency is to ignore those feelings, keep on doing what you know, what you are comfortable with and what seems like the sensible thing to do.
In my case, it took me a long time, years in fact, to listen to that inner voice that was trying to tell me there was something else I needed to do yet. Something else that could lead to a greater sense of fulfillment across all areas of my life. Plucking up the courage to act was the toughest leadership decision I have ever made. As a consequence I believe that I have grown more in the past 18 months than I did in the previous 5 years.
Everyone I have connected with has a different story, but there are some common threads. Demonstrating courage, being vulnerable enough to ask for help and ultimately inspiring others. Being vulnerable enough to acknowledge that we don’t have it all figured out. Not knowing what it is we really want to do, or why, or how to go about it, is quite normal.
Reaching out to others is the starting point. In my experience, support from family, friends, mentors, existing and new networks, and/or professional coaches has been the key to navigating one of the most important life decisions we may ever make.
