Identifying Career Values and Priorities

Your values are what’s most important. When we clarify values first, we’re better able to identify the right opportunity. My client David was unhappy in a toxic workplace but convinced himself he just needed more money and a promotion to be happy. He came to me saying, "I want a senior director role with at least a $40K raise. That's what success looks like, right?" ❌ Wrong. After three months of chasing high-paying positions that looked impressive on paper, David was burning out from interviews for roles that would have made him even more miserable. I told him, “forget about titles and salary for a moment. Tell me about the last time you felt genuinely energized at work." His answer had nothing to do with money or climbing the corporate ladder. He lit up talking about a project where his unconventional problem-solving approach saved the company significant time, where his manager trusted his judgment, and where he could actually leave at 5 PM to coach his daughter's soccer team. "That's what you need to focus on finding again," I told him. “Not the corner office or the salary bump." We completely reset his job search around three core values: ✅ 1 // Recognition for his unique strengths and creative thinking ✅ 2 // A respectful, non-toxic work environment ✅ 3 // Flexibility to be present for his family Here's the truth I share with every client: Your dream job probably won't materialize next week. Great if it happens, but it's not realistic. I tell them to give themselves six months to realistically transition into their ideal role. Otherwise, you'll grab the first decent-looking opportunity that comes along—and end up right back where you started. 📌 David's search took five months. He turned down two offers that would have been significant pay increases but failed his values test. The third offer was for a remote role paying slightly less than his toxic job, but with a team that valued innovation, a manager who communicated well, and complete schedule flexibility. Six months later, he texted me: "I didn't realize how exhausted I was from fighting to be valued every day. Now I actually look forward to Monday mornings." Before you start your next job search, ask yourself: 📌 What energizes you most about work? 📌 What kind of environment brings out the best in you? 📌 What matters more—impressing others or feeling fulfilled? Your values are your qualification criteria. Every opportunity should pass this test before you even consider salary or title. Stop optimizing for what looks good on LinkedIn. Start optimizing for what feels good in your life. 📌 What's the most important value you're not willing to compromise on in your next role?

When I first joined Nike, a Senior Director shared wisdom that fundamentally changed how I approach career decisions: "Always be clear about what you're optimizing for. Is it money, work-life balance, or knowledge?" This simple question has become my compass at every professional crossroads: • There's no universal "right choice" - only the right choice for your current priorities. During some seasons, skill development might outweigh compensation. In others, flexibility might be non-negotiable. • Your optimization target will naturally evolve. Early in my career, I optimized relentlessly for knowledge, taking roles that expanded my skillset even when the hours were demanding. Today, my equation looks different. • Being honest about your priorities prevents resentment. When I've chosen roles knowing they required tradeoffs, I've found peace with those compromises. • The clarity this framework provides makes difficult decisions surprisingly straightforward. When faced with multiple options, I ask: "Which aligns with what I'm optimizing for right now?" I've found that the most fulfilled professionals aren't those who "have it all" simultaneously but those who intentionally choose what matters most in each chapter of their career.

Why Success at 45 Looks Different Than at 25 What was satisfactory and worth pursuing at 25 isn't it anymore – because success changes as you do.   At mid-career, many professionals experience a shift in how they view success. Early in our careers, we often focus on achievement—promotions, salary, titles. By mid-life, success is more about fulfillment—purpose, balance, and leaving a legacy.   Researchers like Hermans & Oles (1999) and Levinson et al. (1978)  highlight three key drivers behind this transition: 1️⃣ Finding previously satisfactory goals now dissatisfactory. 2️⃣ Recalibrating goals due to a change in temporal perspective. 3️⃣ Reinterpreting the future.   These shifts align with six key dimensions of mid-life transition, as shown in the diagram: 1️⃣ Postformal Thinking (Piaget, Integrating Complexity): Moving beyond black-and-white thinking to embrace ambiguity and contradictions. 2️⃣ Authentic Living (Yalom, Existential Choices): Living in alignment with personal values and making conscious life choices. 3️⃣ Eudaimonic Goals (Aristotle, Fulfillment-Based Success): Shifting from external achievement to inner growth and purpose. 4️⃣ Reframing Life Story (McAdams, Narrative Identity): Reshaping your narrative to make sense of past experiences and envision meaningful futures. 5️⃣ Role Reassessment (Super, Life Roles Realignment): Reevaluating life roles (e.g., professional, personal) to reflect current priorities. 6️⃣ Legacy and Contribution (Erikson, Generativity vs. Stagnation): Focusing on leaving a lasting impact and contributing to others.   Shaping success today starts with three exercises: 1️⃣ Reviewing Values: Coaches have many tried-and-tested exercises to help clients clarify what truly matters to them. Values are the compass guiding decisions and priorities. Revisiting them periodically ensures your actions align with your current self. 2️⃣ Auditing Your Career: A Critical Career Review is an excellent tool for assessing where you stand and identifying areas for growth or change. If you're interested, there's a link in the comments. 3️⃣ Setting Holistic Goals: Goal-setting doesn't have to focus solely on career milestones. The domain harmony approach helps integrate professional, personal, and relational aspirations, ensuring balance and synergy between all aspects of life.   Here's a caveat: Over the years, I've noticed that clients rarely address these transitions without guidance. Struggling to articulate the shift yourself is like trying to tickle yourself. A coach can facilitate unpacking these dimensions to uncover new clarity and meaning.   When did you last review your definition of success? Success isn't static—it evolves with your values, experiences, and aspirations.   #CoachRisto #CareerPerceptions   #Success #Careers  

🚀 Is it time for a career pivot? Here's how to navigate the shift with clarity and confidence. Making a major career change can feel daunting, especially later in life. But what if I told you that this could be the most exhilarating chapter in your professional journey? I've been there. Transitioning from Managing Director of Cooper Professional Education to launching my own venture, Brazen Coaching & Consulting, I leaned heavily on understanding my values, purpose, and vision. These weren't just guideposts; they were my anchors in a sea of uncertainty, helping me define and stay true to what I wanted to create in the world. For many of my clients contemplating career shifts, gaining clarity on who they are has been equally transformative. It's calming, it clears the path, and it injects energy into their next steps. 🌟 Career change later in life isn't just an adjustment; it's a gift. It's your chance to harness all your accumulated wisdom and channel it into something that truly resonates with you. Whether this change is by choice or circumstance, the first step isn't diving into job listings—it's diving deep into your personal values and career aspirations. Here’s what you can do to ensure your next move is as purposeful as it is powerful: ▫ Reflect deeply on your personal values and what drives you. ▫ Use this understanding to strategically guide your networking, company selection, and partnership opportunities. Ready to pivot with purpose? If you’re contemplating a shift and need guidance on how to align it with your true self, let's connect. I can help you navigate this exciting transition with confidence and strategic insight. 🔗 Reach out to explore more about how values-driven career planning can make your next move not just a change, but a leap forward.

A Deeper Look at Career Fulfillment: Beyond Variety I just read the article "The Key to a Fulfilling Career? Variety." by Sharot and Sunstein. The authors argue that introducing variety into one's work life can counteract habituation, leading to increased job satisfaction. While I appreciate their perspective, I believe it oversimplifies the complex nature of career fulfillment. Here's why variety alone isn't the key to a fulfilling career: 1. Purpose and Values Alignment: A truly fulfilling career resonates with our core beliefs and contributes to something we consider meaningful. When our work aligns with our values, it provides a sense of purpose that goes beyond the day-to-day tasks. This alignment creates intrinsic motivation, making even challenging work feel rewarding. 2. Relationships and Community: Career fulfillment often stems from the connections we build with colleagues, clients, and the communities we serve. These relationships provide support, inspire collaboration, and create a sense of belonging. Over time, these bonds deepen, enhancing our professional experience and personal growth. 3. Mastery and Expertise: There's a unique satisfaction in becoming truly proficient at what you do. Developing expertise requires consistent effort and focus over time. As we gain mastery, we can tackle more complex challenges, contribute more significantly to our field, and often find our work increasingly rewarding. For a fulfilling 40-50 year career, consider: A. Legacy and Impact: Creating lasting change in your field. Continuous Growth: Constantly refining skills and expanding knowledge. B. Mentorship: Guiding others' careers and sharing your expertise. C. Adaptability: This provides fulfillment in several ways: * It builds resilience, boosting confidence and competence. * Ensures relevance in changing industries, providing security and purpose. * Opens doors to new opportunities, reinvigorating passion. * Enhances problem-solving skills, offering satisfaction in finding innovative solutions. * Necessitates continuous learning, which is intrinsically rewarding. * Increases influence in organizations, contributing to a sense of impact. D. Work-Life Integration: Aligning career with personal values and life goals. E. Contributing to a Greater Cause: Finding sustained motivation from larger missions. While variety can prevent stagnation, these deeper elements nourish lifelong career satisfaction. They tap into fundamental needs for meaning, growth, and connection, providing a more sustainable path to fulfillment than variety alone. What's your take? Has variety been key to your fulfillment, or have other factors played a bigger role? #Fulfillment #careers #satisfaction #employees #managers #Worklifeintegration #Legacy #success

Instead of solely focusing on climbing the corporate ladder, imagine how much happier and more fulfilled we could be by optimizing for: ✅ Alignment with our personal values ✅ A sense of purpose ✅ Our preferred lifestyle ✅ The type of people we want to surround ourselves with Redefining success on our own terms is possible. But how? Start by asking yourself these questions: 1) Which self-limiting beliefs are holding me back? ➡️ Identify the negative thoughts and assumptions that keep you from pursuing what truly matters to you. Challenge these beliefs and replace them with empowering ones. 2) What are my core values? ➡️ Reflect on the principles that guide your decisions and actions. Make a list of your top values and ensure that your career choices align with them. 3) What gives me a sense of purpose? ➡️ Think about what drives you and brings you joy. Consider how you can incorporate this purpose into your professional life. 4) What lifestyle do I truly desire? ➡️ Envision your ideal day-to-day life. What kind of work environment, schedule, and activities would make you happiest? Seek opportunities that support this vision. 5) Who are the people I want to surround myself with? ➡️ Identify the types of individuals who inspire, support, and challenge you. Build a network of mentors, peers, and friends who share your values and aspirations. We can all climb the career ladder. But sometimes the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.

One startling realization that is common among young professionals is their lack of self-awareness. Young professionals simply go from school to the workplace without taking the time to consider their strengths, weaknesses and uniqueness. If you would like to build self awareness, do this: 🌎 1. Journaling: Regular journaling is one of the best ways to build self awareness. Journal regularly about your experiences, thoughts, and emotions can enhance self-awareness. 🌎 2. Take personality assessments: If your company allows it, take personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Big Five Personality Traits, to gain insights into your personality and preferences. 🌎 3. Seek Feedback: Request feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors. Other perspectives can provide insights into your strengths and areas for growth. 🌎 4. Reflect on Your Values: Identify and prioritize your core values. Consider what matters most to you in life and in your career. ___________________________ Specifically to your career, here are some questions you should ask yourself: 🍀 1. Observe how you work. What aspects of your job excites you? What aspect do you not mind doing over and over again? 🍀 2. What aspect do people say you excel in? What aspect do superiors like you working on? 🍀 3. How would you rate your work ethic? How would your colleagues and supervisors rate your work ethic? 🍀 4. How aware are you of the office dynamics going on around you? How do you fit into the mold? 🍀 5. What are your key strengths and how can you leverage them in your career? 🍀 6. In what work environments do you thrive best – collaborative, independent, fast-paced, etc.? 🍀 7. What are your long-term career goals, and how can you align your current path with them? _______________________ The essence of this is to help you develop self awareness. Now note, self awareness is not necessarily a goal. It is a journey. You arrive at new destinations of knowing yourself. To your best self, cheers 🥂

Choosing a career can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. But finding the right path doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s all about taking intentional steps toward understanding what truly aligns with your passions and skills. Here’s how you can start exploring and clarifying your career goals:  Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths, interests, and values. Use personality assessments or career quizzes to guide you. 🟣 Research & Exploration: Dive into different industries. Attend career fairs, network, or try internships to discover what excites you. 🟣 Set SMART Goals: Create specific, measurable, and achievable goals to guide your career journey. 🟣 Stay Open to Change: Be flexible and embrace new opportunities as your career path evolves. 💡 Pro Tip: Keep a career journal where you jot down your thoughts, experiences, and reflections as you explore. This will help you track your progress and notice patterns that can guide your decision-making process. Clarity in your career isn’t about having all the answers right away—it’s about staying curious, being proactive, and giving yourself the freedom to explore. 🔗 Question: What’s one step you’re taking to explore your career options? Share your journey below! 👇

It has become common for students and new job seekers to encounter feelings of dissatisfaction and uncertainty when deciding on their career path or transitioning into a new job. As students engage in the process of identifying their career path, it's crucial that they make decisions while considering the below factors: - Personal interests & values. - Aptitudes & Passion. - Demand for the chosen career. - Job sustainability. - Financial stability. It is also important to have a well-defined career goal. The same goes for selecting a new job as well. There are many aspects to consider, ranging from the roles and responsibilities to the company's work culture. Rather than being blindsided by unexpected challenges, it is highly advisable to take up counseling or coaching sessions with experts. These sessions provide valuable guidance and insights, including the following benefits: ➡ Self-assessment: Identify strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. ➡ Exploration: Discover diverse career options and industries. ➡ Skill-Interest Alignment: Match skills and interests for ideal career paths. ➡ Goal Setting: Establish clear, achievable career objectives. ➡ Upskilling guidance: Receive guidance on required education and qualifications. ➡ Job Market Insight: Stay updated on industry trends and job market conditions. ➡ Resume and Interview Help: Receive the right guidance for your job search process. ➡ Overcoming Barriers: Get support in addressing personal or professional obstacles. ➡ Networking Advice: Learn effective networking strategies to enhance your career. ➡ Decision-Making Support: Receive assistance in making informed career decisions, especially with multiple options. ➡ Stress Management: Develop coping strategies for career-related stress. ➡ Accountability partner & Ongoing Support: Continuously adapt and refine career goals. #linkedintopvoices #studentscareer #contentstartegistsri

I love helping people at mid-career craft the next stage of their career to harvest their experience and create better alignment with their strengths, values, interests, and work and life goals going forward. If you're feeling that you'd like to transition, optimize, or simply continue in your current career path with greater success and satisfaction, here are five great questions from Rebecca M. Knight for you to reflect on: 1️⃣ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐰? Imagine the disappointment you might feel in the future if you don’t take certain actions today, and use that as a motivating force. Consider subjects you’d like to learn about, habits you’d like to build, experiences you’d like to try, and places you’d like to go now, before it’s too late. 2️⃣ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞? Reflecting on your career to date and thinking about the next stage, consider: What excites you? What are you curious about? What impact do you want to have? Who do you want to serve and how? 3️⃣ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝? Reflect on the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired thus far in your career, and consider how you might use them to fulfill your purpose, values, and priorities. 4️⃣ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞? As someone who has redesigned my career to suit my preferred lifestyle, I am especially fond of using this line of inquiry with my coachees. Try envisioning a typical day in your ideal future. Consider how you want to spend your time, who you want to interact with, and what you want to do outside of work. 5️⃣ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞-𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐚𝐦 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 — 𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞? This is a question that many people began asking themselves in earnest during the pandemic. The key is to give careful consideration to your values and priorities, and to make conscious, intentional decisions about the compromises you’re willing to make. It is possible to do this reflection in a systematic way on your own. However, if you find yourself feeling stuck, working with a career coach can be a very good investment at mid-career. #careeradvice #careercoaching