My home stretch has become more selective in terms of endeavors. I work when I want, where I want, doing what I want, with only clients with whom I would probably spend time socially, otherwise. It’s a gift. But the gift of the when/where/what/who lifestyle wasn’t a choice. It was a consequence of a long-game career path.
This was supposed to be where it ended up, even though the freedom and autonomy took a long time to manifest. Dues were paid and long hours were accrued. Make no mistake, though, that this was the goal. It just took four decades to get there.
One of the lessons of the millennial generation has been the realization that there are a few things that can’t be achieved with a click. Yet some things don’t follow this trend. Of these holdouts, sustained relationships and meaningful careers are #1 and #2. Neither can be hurried.
Fortunately, they can be intentionally shepherded and stewarded. If your goal is eventual autonomy coupled with interest/value alignment, be prepared to spend the first three decades of your career getting clarity about your interests and values. Then, each job change becomes a clearer reflection of those priorities.
Looking back, there were four significant career transitions in my trajectory. In each transition, the landing pad answered the question, “What do I love most about my current role and what would it be like if I could do that all the time?” Each resultant move took me closer to today’s career nirvana.
‘Career Nirvana’ is as unique as a fingerprint. It begins with exploration and ends with discovery. Along the way, experimentation clarifies your priorities. And for those who aren’t yet spending every day loving your work: you may have chosen to be a passenger in a vehicle that needs a driver.
Now’s the time to take the wheel.
