“Is it just too sad to be over 40 and still figuring out what you want to be when you grow up?” She asked.
“Who do you want to be?” is a question we ask young adults until, almost arbitrarily, we begin to assume this decision has been made, it’s in the past.
But the question of “Who do you want to be?” isn’t just for young adults. Many of us still wonder, “Who am I? Who do I want to be?” no matter our age.
Why People Hesitate
Many of the folks I’ve worked with have put off the questions of who they are and who they want to be because of financial responsibilities or a tough job market. The pandemic has shown us that nothing in life is predictable, making career alignment even more crucial.
New Career Skills for 2023-24
The skills you need for a career switch have evolved:
- Self-awareness: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses.
- Digital Literacy and Agility: Not just being comfortable with technology, but with learning the next version and the next approach that will be required to keep producing work.
- Personal Branding: Knowing how to tell your story both online in social media and offline in interviews.
Having clarity in these areas is often where people need the most help.
Know Thyself
It’s a big question, but knowing who you are is the first step. Evaluate how you feel about your current job, your relationship with your boss, and your work environment. Your feelings about these aspects indicate your job satisfaction level and give you the first clues about what you want and what works for you. That baseline then leads to a deeper inquiry, if your job aligns with what you’re good at and what you want to master.
If you find that your relationship with your boss or colleagues isn’t working, remind yourself that relationships are a two-way street. If there’s friction, consider how you can improve the relationship from your end. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean leaving will make things easier. You will, after all, take yourself when you go.
Consider if the environment still suits you. Our needs change. Maybe a busy office was exciting in your 20s but draining now. Check in with yourself.
New Tools for Career Development
Virtual career tools can help you gauge your skills and interests. Websites like LinkedIn Learning offer courses that can sharpen your skills.
Coaching is another resource to consider if your strengths don’t lie in studiously and methodically evaluating your options and creating a plan for yourself. Professional coaches can ask you the questions that need to be asked in the right order, and help you put the results together in a way that’s meaningful for you.
Your Next Steps
If you’re thinking of making a career move, you’re not alone. Reach out for a no-risk conversation about how coaching could support your journey.
And you can start a no-risk conversation with me if you’re interested in exploring how coaching might support you in achieving your goals. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
