How to Own Your Career

Let’s be real. No one is going to care about your career as much as you do, and they shouldn’t. It’s your career. Most companies have a promotion system set up for you to progress in your career. However, this does not mean that progressing from Manager, to Sr. Manager, to Director etc. = additional happiness and fulfillment in your work. Although the salary may be higher, what most people are looking for in a career is work that is fulfilling and has meaning. The beauty of seeking fulfillment and meaning is that when you get these things right, success is bound to happen. 

So how do you own your career and find success and work you love?

Know Yourself

This may be the hardest part, because it’s a never ending journey. If you want to find work you love, you have to know what you love! I hear from people all the time who tell me, I don’t know what I want to do/be/or enjoy. If this is your situation, it’s time to try some new experiences. This could be as simple a shadowing a different department, team member, or taking the art class you always wanted to take. 

Knowing yourself goes beyond what you enjoy. It’s about getting to the core of you who are. What are your values, strengths, and personal mission? Resources that have assisted me in this process are Strengths Finder, Myers Briggs, Calling Cards, a career coach, and meditation. So put in the work, and get curious about yourself. 

Speak Up

Once you know yourself, you may find you are not living out your values or not doing work that highlights your strengths. If this is the case, it may be time for you to have an honest conversation with first yourself, and second, your employer or boss. You have the right to share who you are and what you want from life, so speak up with confidence and compassion. Most people want to see others happy and fulfilled, therefore, you may be surprised to find just how easy it is to get the support and help you want. The conversation may be uncomfortable at first if you are not used to advocating for yourself, so embrace the unknown and know that change is coming. As you go down this new path, remember to be easy on yourself. Advocating for yourself may be a new muscle for you to use, so it if it doesn’t turn out right the first time, know that you are growing and don’t give up!

Step Into the Driver’s Seat

The scariest thing about owning your career is taking responsibility for yourself. If you are the owner, you can’t blame your boss or the company you work for because it’s you who is in the driver's seat. Stop letting fear hold you back from pursuing what you love. It’s unlikely you know how everything is going to work out, and most likely you will have to make adjustments along the way. Be courageous and step into the unknown. It is the journey that will make you who you are meant to be, not the end goal. 

Repeat

Sorry to disappoint, but this is a never ending process. Learning more about yourself, speaking up, and stepping into the driver’s seat is a continual loop. Everything works in cycles or patterns. You will find times of fulfillment, but then you will learn more about yourself and will need to repeat the cycle. Get curious about life, be courageous, and shine bright. You got this. 

With love, 

Sadie