Do you ever sit at work and think, "Is this it for my career? Is this the only path for me?"
One of the most common coaching themes I've encountered in the past year is the realization that a linear career path is becoming increasingly outdated. Some individuals may follow a single "swim lane" in their careers, but more often, people find themselves exploring diverse interests, gaining varied experiences, and redefining what success means to them.
This has certainly been the case in my own career, and for that, I am very grateful.
If you've read the book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein, you'll know it discusses how generalists often outperform specialists. This is because generalists can draw on a wider range of experiences and perspectives, which helps them innovate and solve problems in novel ways. The book cites individuals like Paul Graham, founder of startup Y Combinator (programmer, essayist and venture capitalist). Roger Federer (for his late specialisation in tennis) and Brian May (capacity to excel in astrophysics and as a musician) as examples.
Some Food For Thought:
1. Don’t feel that you need to be "wed" to one path
2. Embrace exploration and don’t panic if your path is not yet clear – Exploration is a process that allows you to discover your unique passions and strengths.
3. Lean into "green envy" – What aspects of other people's careers or setups would you like for yourself?
4. Leverage transferable skills – Focus on your transferable skills rather than solely on your experience in a particular industry or function.
5. Reflect on your career journey to date – When have you felt at your best and why?
I have worked with a numerous people to support their career planning and increased self-awareness. If you are interested working with a Coach to maximise your path,
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