Are you at a crossroads?
Are you at a crossroads?
The type of crossroads where it feels like your personal and professional life is at loggerheads.
The professional part of you has been programmed to keep going.
But another part wants to feel purpose and meaning, and that voice is getting louder.
Have you been here before?
So what’s the solution?
If you’ve outgrown your current role or your values aren’t aligned with those of the company, it could be as simple as a new job and a change of scenery.
But what if it’s more complicated than that?
As you age (mid-40s+), you look at life differently as the ‘mid-point’ approaches.
What used to motivate you in the past, such as a bigger car or house and things that tell the outside world that you’re doing really well, has lost some appeal.
The truth is that you already have them (you’ve worn the T-shirt) and are searching for more meaning.
So, while a new job might satisfy you for six months, you’ll probably find yourself at that crossroads again.
Then there are the other circumstances I explored in a recent post, 'It's not all about work'.
It’s a personal journey – that’s for sure!
I’ve put together a list of strategies, quick fixes, and longer-term solutions. All have been tried and tested by yours truly, except for one.
Here’s my list:
Carry on regardless, you’ve been here before and you’ll be here again.
Get your head down and get stuck into work – there’s nothing like 'being busy' to distract from your heart’s desire.
Going on holiday – a change of scenery will give you the power of good.
Do a detox, go on a diet, train for a marathon – nothing like food or extreme tiredness to distract you.
Ask your friends if they're going through something similar.
(This will either fill you with hope or leave you feeling miserable and isolated, depending on their current outlook)
Do the things you love. I did more yoga and trained to teach it.
Get a new job. Choose wisely.
Work less so you can do more of what you love.
Face the music – what’s not working and what can you do?
Design and change your life using the magical planning technique (worked for me)
Take a sabbatical or career break(best thing ever!)
Hire a coach, healer, or therapist.
Treat yourself nicely (as best you can)
Take the plunge and set up your own business! (or a side-hustle)
Did you work out the one I didn’t try?
I’ve never trained for a marathon – I don’t have the knees for it.
What happens next?
You'll figure it out along the way, get the help you need, don't lean too heavily on your partner and be prepared to face the crossroads again, perhaps next time from a different direction. Nothing is worse than being at a crossroads and feeling that you don’t have options.
But there are always options!
If you want to explore yours with me, get in touch!
ABOUT ME
I’m Tracy, a career consultant and former executive headhunter, and I help senior executives and leaders land great jobs and be successful at work through 1:1 coaching.
I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.
If you’re ready for straight talk and career guidance, get in touch – let's start the conversation.
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