What Do You Want? (Part 1)

Seems like a simple question doesn’t it, but after nearly two decades working in the employee development space, I’ve come to learn this question is a tough one to answer for many. In our not-so-recent past, that question may have been answered with a job title or status description; “I want to make partner” or “I want to earn X amount of money per year.” More recently we hear answers focused on a desire for more meaning, more flexibility, more space to enjoy a rich home and professional life. The gap in all of these answers is they are not nearly specific enough. For many that means that while they may have accomplished part of the outcome they identified, many still feel like they should experience “more”. 

For those who found flexibility, they often convey concerns about earning potential and advancement opportunities. If the compensation has been rewarding, there can be feelings expressed of regret for focusing too much on work and not enough on the other aspects of their personal life. Too often this leads to job changes, with sincere hopes that a change of scenery will solve the feeling of unfulfillment. But it rarely works unless the person has moved beyond what they don’t want onto what they really do. 

Next month I’ll share how to prioritize what matters most in this current season of your life so you can set clear professional goals and success metrics and stop focusing on the “more” we’ve been conditioned to desire.  A few thoughts to help set the stage:

•   Your goals and priorities are yours and yours alone. Don’t try and follow anyone else’s timetable in life. Theodore Roosevelt had it right when he said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” If a peer is moving at a different pace than you it isn’t an indication of joy or contentment, despite what it may look like on social media.
•   Know that at any given moment you are in a season of your life, and that season is temporary. I laugh at the old question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Don’t waste too much time looking that far out. Most of us are more successful looking a year or two ahead when setting goals and making plans. 
•   It’s critical that you understand that while you can have it all, you can’t have it all at the same time. It’s not likely that you can work 25 hours per week and make six figures while earning increases of 10% year over year for the reminder of your career. These opportunities may exist, but I have yet to see them in our industry. 

If you’re feeling antsy at work and looking for the “more” you feel you deserve, spend some time over the next few weeks thinking about what you want your home life and work life to look like over the next 1-2 years. Do you want to slow down to spend more time on personal priorities? Are you eager to focus on work to help you achieve professional and/or financial goals? There isn’t a right or wrong answer to the questions, but It’s a critical step to be answered before we take the next step in August to clarify your professional priorities. Between now and then, stay boundless.