Suppose you are past the middle of your career and find it challenging to further your career, feel a sense of burnout or stagnation, or desire to pursue what you've always wanted to do. In that case, it might be time to consider a career pivot. This decision involves expanding your horizons and opening yourself up to possibilities in fields you may have never considered. It's an opportunity to take stock and deeply reflect on what you truly aspire to achieve in your career while being open to embracing new possibilities.
Pivoting is undeniably an act of great courage, requiring not just a change in profession but a profound shift in your identity and values. From my experience, I can attest to the challenges of self-doubt as you step away from the familiar and venture into the unknown. This self-assessment process is essential for anyone in mid-career seeking to rediscover their passions and realign their skills with a path that is not only fulfilling but also invigorating. Although daunting, it's a transformative experience that can lead to incredibly rewarding new beginnings.
Identify your Zone of Genius
The first step is to understand your core competencies. It's important to ask yourself which aspects of your job you genuinely enjoy and which skills you're most proud of. This reflection helps you understand your strengths beyond the roles and responsibilities that have defined your career thus far.
A helpful method for this is through the "Zone of Genius" concept introduced by Gay Hendricks in his book The Big Leap. He proposes four distinct zones in which we operate professionally:
Zone of Competence | Zone of Genius |
Tasks we can do adequately, but many others can also perform these tasks well. These tasks don't necessarily distinguish us in any significant way. | Work that aligns perfectly with our unique talents and passions. It's where we feel most fulfilled and where our contributions are most profound. |
Zone of Incompetence | Zone of Excellence |
Tasks that we struggle with and that others can do much better than us. It's more efficient and effective to delegate these tasks. | Activities we excel at and are often rewarded for, but they don't fully satisfy our deeper needs or utilize our full potential. While these tasks bring success, they might not bring contentment. |
Self-identifying your genius can be difficult, so receiving feedback from people who know you best is essential.
Start by gathering a list of 15-20 people, such as family members, friends, current and former colleagues, and others who know you well. Remember, asking for their feedback is not an imposition; on the contrary, they will feel honored that you value their opinion.
Next, send an email explaining your feedback request, clearly stating a specific deadline to encourage prompt responses. Ask them the following questions:
What am I doing or talking about when you experience me MOST energized and happy?
When you experience me at my best, the exact thing I am doing is__________________.
What do you see as a particular skill I am gifted with? What are your three favorite qualities you see in me? Optional
What reliably shows up in the room when I do?
How have I most contributed to your life?
What would you miss most about my presence if I passed on? (The question's response often evokes strong emotions. Witnessing the impact you have on people is truly inspirational.)
3. Once collected, organize the feedback by question to identify common themes.
4. Thank and share significant insights you've gained, demonstrating your appreciation and commitment to personal development.
Identifying your "Zone of Genius" allows you to focus on work that leverages your unique talents and passions and maximizes your fulfillment and effectiveness in your professional life.
Leveraging Transferable Skills and Crystallized Intelligence
Pivoting can be a daunting experience, but realizing the transferability of your skills can help reduce this fear. Leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are valuable in almost any field. According to Arthur Brooks' book "Build the Life You Want," there is a type of intelligence called crystallized intelligence that increases throughout middle age and can remain high well into old age. This type of intelligence involves combining complex ideas, understanding their meanings, recognizing patterns, and teaching others. Understanding how these skills can apply to new roles or industries is empowering. This realization can facilitate the transition and broaden your perspective toward potential career paths.
Synthesizing Your Findings and Overcoming Self-Doubt
Career pivoting can be challenging and trigger self-doubt. It is critical to let go of external validations and focus on what makes you happy. Remember, the opinions of others are less important than finding work that resonates with your core values and satisfies you. If you have the privilege of aligning work with passion, recognize it and take advantage of the opportunity.
The Courage to Change: Finding Fulfillment in Mid-Career Transitions
Undertaking a mid-career transition requires a lot of courage and effort. It can be a demanding decision that forces you to reassess your values and self-perception. However, it's important to remember that it's a journey that requires consistent effort and time. It's not just a single step. Instead of stressing about your lifelong career, focus on what excites you in the next 12 to 24 months that gets you closer to your "Zone of Genius." It is impossible to predict the future due to many uncontrollable factors that we all have already experienced, such as pandemics, economic or political changes, and the impact of new technologies. The journey of self-discovery is a continuous process. We refine and adjust our paths as we learn more about ourselves and our desires. Ultimately, this journey can lead to a renewed sense of fulfillment and joy as we discover and redefine what success means to us. We all have a lot more to offer to the world.
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