Living an Intentional Career This Year

Where you Work Today Doesn’t Have to be Where You Stay Tomorrow

I am semi-retired after working over fifty years in banking, finance, human resources, and independent consulting. I say semi-retired because I’m still very active professionally. 

I wish I could say this was always the result of living an intentional career. While my career ultimately became intentional, it didn’t start that way. I wasn’t truly intentional until I was 35 years old. Perhaps my story can help someone begin living an intentional career sooner.

Sliding vs. Deciding

From high school through my mid-30s, I allowed others to influence my education and career choices. I was a slider, not a decider. A guidance counselor convinced me to pursue becoming an airline pilot, and I realized on my very first day of classes that this was a mistake. I transferred into the business school and majored in finance.

Listening to Your Intuition

At 35, I finally became a decider when I moved from finance into human resources. It wasn’t easy, and senior management strongly advised against it.  When I told the CFO I was leaving his department for HR, he stood up, walked around his desk then pointed to his empty chair and said, “You realize you’re making a big mistake. That chair will be yours someday and you’re walking away from it.”

Rather than backing down, I became more resolved. I was done letting others decide my career, though it took real conviction to move forward.

Always Be Ready for This Question

After seven years in HR proving myself as a high performer and leading a major, high-visibility change initiative I was called into my HR VP’s office. He said, “You’ve done an outstanding job. I’d like to move you into any position you want in HR. Where would you like to go?”  If your manager asked you that question today, how would you answer?

My Answer

Because I had intentionally gained exposure across HR, I knew my skills and passion aligned best with Training and Development. That’s what I told him. Two months later, I moved into T&D, and six months after that, I was promoted to Manager of Training and Development due to the resignation of my T&D Manager. 

As I look back on my 40+ year career, I realize that I was constantly reassessing whether I was fully using my talents, skills, and abilities. This is where a life coach can play an important role, helping you clarify your strengths and determine your best career fit.

My Lessons Learned

• Don’t run away from something, run toward work that aligns with your skills and passions.

• Know what energizes you and what drains you.

• Be honest about your strengths and your limitations.

• Network relentlessly and with purpose.

• Have the courage to pivot when the path no longer fits.

  
  

If this connects with you, reach out to Two Ten Coaching to discuss how we can help! ~ Bob