They call it “the Great Resignation”. A significant result of the pandemic is that many people, especially younger workers, are leaving their jobs. For companies that need qualified workers to build products and deliver services, this clearly presents a challenge to growth.  As an advisor to companies, this talent management issue is one of the most important ones for 2021 and 2022.

From the worker’s point of view, which is the one we’ll focus on now, it presents each individual who wants to lead a long, fulfilling life, the issues are different. ”Is the job I had prior to the pandemic still meeting my mental health, income, relationship, passion, and/or purpose needs?” “If I’m not sure should I stay where I am, or should I resist inertia, value my future self and decide whether the job I have really will facilitate a career path I want for the next stages of my life?” 

Recent experts in the area predicted that today’s young people will have at least 10 jobs as adults. Rather than meander from one to the other, the better way to lead a long, fulfilling life is to live intentionally:

• Clarify your present and future values and goals
• Identify jobs and careers and that will enable you to achieve them
• As you age, grow your expertise within these careers so that you advance in your chosen profession

Using this formula, you can increase your impact over time and gain recognition and rewards.

As you consider your career journey, you may want to consider where you are now and plan for growth past. Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry, recently noted that there are 6 stages of career growth. (See article on the Six Stages of Career Growth). See where you are. The earlier you unglue yourself from the path you’re on to assess whether the path is taking you where you want to go in the future, the more likely it is that you’ll forge a career path and lifestyle that brings happiness, achievement, and impact. If you need an outside perspective, meet with an advisor to discuss issues. Most important, contact several people already in the career/job of interest and get their perspective on the career in general and where the specific jobs they are doing.

For instance, a colleague once considered going to law school to focus on Intellectual Property (IP) (i.e., trademarks, copyrights, etc.). He spoke to a partner in a large firm who shared a negative perspective, leading to the rejection of going to law school for several years until he’d met other people who shared how they loved the innovative clients and challenges. He then realized that the original source was negative because his job had evolved into being a business and no longer working in the heart of IP law!

In sum, consider where you are in your journey, and what role within a career/professional your current job might actually be. And if you want more insights  – use our Career Forum.