Of the significant benchmark’s we adults strive to check off of our many personal “lists”, a good number of them fall within our professional aspirations. The spectrum that catalogs our work lives presents itself to a young professional to be a long road, expansive and full of opportunity; Ambition, wonder and dreams of riches and success are plentiful. To the mid-career or retirement-ready workers, the luster may have worn off and that perspective may have become a little distorted long ago.
For those in the later stages of their work life, remember your first day? Remember the excitement? The pride, confidence, ambition? Well guess what, you blinked. Ten or more years have passed by in an instant; you’re moving full-speed ahead in a direction you never saw yourself taking. You’ve made compromises, had your personal life interfere and you wake up trying to rationalize why every time you turn around, it’s morning and you’re letting out a deep sigh, staring at yourself in the rear-view mirror of your vehicle wondering how the hell you got here.
Or maybe you made it; Things all worked out for you. The promotions, the great mentors, actually living your passion. Either way there is one simple truth that transcends it all. No one gets there alone.
Everyone one of us has had help from someone. Whether it was from the coworker we shared a cube with, to the “old man” in the office that knew everything about the gig that took you under his wing; Hell, even that horrible boss that ultimately lit the fire for you to accomplish some goal to better position yourself to leave that crap job. We have all had people who have held doors open and closed for us as we’ve navigated our own way.
So what is this about it? I have always been a student of human behavior. How we operate, our habits, and idiosyncrasies that transcend the generations (despite the futile attempts to deny that we’re are inherently susceptible to repeat ourselves, no matter how much we see the recipe for change). it’s no secret, it’s all how we treat each other. It’s about respect, gratitude and responsibility.
Early on in my career, I began to ask questions. How do people define and pursue their levels of success? Is it a trade-secret? is it personal? Millions of people with millions of resumes; how do certain folks make it? Timing? Nepotism? Hard work? Loyalty? These are all still very real, very accurate factors that play a part in today’s ever-changing professional landscape. The more we advance as a species, the more complex the parameters and competitive nature landing a sustainable profession has become.
What can be done about it? It depends on your position in the scenario:
Entry Level – Look for those mentors, coworkers, or other people that will be honest. Surround yourself with a great mix of perspectives. Research the advice, evaluate opinions based on the success of those who provide it before subscribing. Do not forget the impact that having someone take time to invest in your development. Those people will significantly impact your career trajectory. Stay humble…
Mid-Career – this is where you start to give back (if you haven’t already). Reflect on where you are and decide whether or not you are the right person to be potentially influencing another person’s life and/or career. If you answered yes, then take time to find a receptive mentee and PAY IT FORWARD. Don’t make someone suffer through what you already have. Give back!
Late Career/Retirement – You are a living archive of job knowledge and life-experience. Be willing to share all you can, you can’t take it with you anyway. Make this a part of your legacy. You were once that bright-eyed kid nervous and ready to take on the world. By this point, you’ve taken on the world once or twice. The perspective you can provide can be vital to ensure that all of the knowledge you have doesn’t get lost or wasted when the time comes to “pass the torch.”
As it is often discussed in other facets of life, practice kindness. Paying it Forward can come in many forms. Being a mentor, friend, a trainer or the student receiving the help. Remember how you felt when you had that person or people to guide you; conversely for those who did not have that presence, be the change you wish you had in the past. Just because you never got any help doesn’t mean you should propagate the cycle. “be the change you want to see in others”
I can tell you from personal experiences that I have been able to help multiple people in their journey. There was no greater feeling and honor. By investing in them, I was able to help them redirect their focus and plot their trajectories for more suitable, and exciting opportunities. That is the type of fulfillment my soul thrives on.
What have you done to Pay It Forward? Send me your examples. Add them as a comment. Share stories. Let’s learn from each other.
“How easy it is to drift away from shore when you forget to keep an eye on the tide”