How is your career moving along?
It is never a bad time for a checkup. Here are six great questions to ask yourself, based on a recent article in Harvard Business Review, as you look at your career future:
1. How do I tap into my purpose? Having a job is a good thing. But are there better ways that you can tap into your purpose – either in this job or another one in the future? Think about your dreams and what personally fulfilling work would look like?
2. What do I want my days to look like? In your ideal world, what would a “day” look like and be like? Think beyond the work day.
3. What trade-offs am I willing to make? Or stop making? Making tradeoffs is a part of life, but look at the ones you are making now and others you are willing to make in the future. Take a strategic look at your career.
4. What will I regret not having done or learned a few years from now? Have a conversation with your future self – ten or more years from now. What do you want to be doing now to set your future self up for satisfaction and success?
5. What mastery or gift have I developed that I can offer to the world? You have developed certain strengths and talents throughout your life. Are you able to fully unleash these at your current job? If not, consider discussing changes to your responsibilities with your boss or look for other opportunities.
6. Enjoy the Ride! Yes – you are going places with your career, but make sure to take the time to savor each day. Also, take some time to appreciate the road you have traveled thus far.
Our careers can be full of ups, downs, and sideways. It’s important to keep a focus on what is fulfilling and impactful as we move along that path. The more intentional and focused we are, the more we will be satisfied with our journey.
*Ideas for this blog taken from: Knight, R. “6 Questions to Ask at the Midpoint of Your Career,” Harvard Business Review online, February 2, 2024.
