As a child, I brimmed with potential – curious, intelligent, and energetic. However, my endless energy also manifested as hyperactivity, making it hard to focus and channel my enthusiasm. This lack of focus persisted into high school, where I drifted through my studies without a clear vision for my future. This is my journey.
The influence of my surroundings played a significant role in shaping my trajectory. Growing up in an environment where opportunities were scarce, it was easy to succumb to the prevailing mindset of mediocrity. I fell into this trap, pursuing a finance degree and settling into a dull accounting career.
As the years passed, a growing sense of dissatisfaction gnawed at me. I despised my work, feeling trapped in a cycle of struggle and unfulfillment. My physical and mental health suffered under the weight of this displeasure.
This turning point in my life catalyzed introspection. After being laid off in 2014, I was forced to confront the fundamental question of my purpose. What was I meant to do? Seeking answers, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately finding my calling in education.
For five transformative years, I dedicated myself to empowering young minds, witnessing the profound impact of knowledge and guidance on their lives. This experience ignited my passion to help others find their paths to purpose and fulfillment.
Inspired by this mission, I co-founded Laddering Your Success (LYS), an Ed Tech startup committed to leveraging technology to connect young people with their passions and aspirations. LYS is the culmination of my personal journey, a testament to the transformative power of purpose and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual.
Through LYS, I strive to create a world where every young person has the opportunity to discover their unique purpose and live a life of meaning and fulfillment.
Navigating the Career Odyssey: A Holistic Approach with LYS’s Be, Know, Do Strategy
Life is full of ups and downs, and so are our careers. Industries rise, industries fall, and passions evolve. After a decade or two in a job, some of us start questioning if it’s still the right fit, and some question it after two weeks (no pun intended). So, let’s dive into the intriguing world of career longevity and explore it through the lens of Laddering Your Success (LYS). How long do careers last, and what makes them stand the test of time? Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the years.
The Varied Lifespan: A Tapestry of Diversity
Careers, like us, come in all shapes and sizes. Some endure for a lifetime, constantly evolving, while others blaze for a brief moment. The duration of a career is as unique as the individual living it. Let’s not just look at how long a career lasts but also how deep it goes.
Be: Aligning Identity with Career Essence
Now, onto the ‘Be’ part of LYS’s strategy. Picture this as a soulful connection between you and your career. Teaching was my calling because it allowed me to be a caring, childlike spirit, making complex subjects a cakewalk for students. It wasn’t just a job but a lifelong passion fulfilled daily in front of young people.
On the flip side, despite having the necessary skills, my stint in accounting lacked that soul connection. It felt like I was confined in an office for eight hours, triggering stress and a sense of the blues. The lesson is here: a career should resonate with your identity, bringing purpose and joy.
Know: Evaluating Skills and Career Significance
Transitioning to the ‘Know’ in “Be Know Do,” how long your career lasts is tied to your skill set. It’s not about having skills; it’s about understanding their significance. Teaching demanded skills like relatability and simplifying complex concepts, which weren’t just tools but part of who I am. Conversely, accounting needed this alignment, rendering even my excellent skills irrelevant.
The ‘Know’ part nudges us to evaluate how practical and relevant our skills are in the grand scheme of our professional journey.
Do: Executing with Heart
Finally, ‘do’ is about action. How well are you executing your skills? Teaching allowed me to shine in my element, connecting with students and simplifying complex concepts. Conversely, accounting felt like a robotic routine, lacking the human touch I craved. ‘Do’ challenges us to bring our skills to life as tools and instruments to create a meaningful impact.
So, careers could be a quick sprint or a lifelong marathon. The key is finding one that resonates with your core, aligns with your skills, and lets you bring your best self to the table. It’s like finding the perfect dance partner; when the rhythm matches, you create something beautiful.
In summary, the quality of your connection with your career matters more than the years you spend in it. It’s about securing a job that fits your personality, makes meaningful use of your skills, and enables you to have a significant influence. The journey of a career is a dynamic odyssey influenced by your identity, skills, and actions. So, as you navigate your career path, consider the soulful connection, the significance of your skills, and the impact you make along the way. It’s not just a job; it’s a journey—an adventure to be embraced and enjoyed.
If you need help in your journey, Laddering Your Success is here to help!
Happy career navigating!
