‘Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life’

If I were ever to get a tattoo (it’s not going to happen!) it would read memento mori – Latin for “remember death”. You may think I’m morbid but, for me, it’s a life affirming message.

A reminder that our life will end can focus the mind on what is truly important – to savour experiences, enjoy your work, practise kindness, love and live with generosity. 

Coaching conversations about career often lead to bigger questions - what do I value? Who do I want to be? Am I living life on my terms?

Steve Jobs said “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life”.  His words became particularly poignant with his early death 6 years later.  It’s uncomfortable to acknowledge that our life will end – but it will. I hope you feel inspired to make the most of the time you have.

PS Check out Steve Jobs’ Stanford University 2005 Commencement address – link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_ptbiPoXM

Stay or leave?

Honestly, I’ve sometime stayed in jobs too long myself. It can seem too risky to leave.

Yet many of the career conversations I have reveal that staying in a role that is wrong is a risk too.

There are plenty of downsides to hanging in there too long including a paralysing lack of confidence that can make it increasingly difficult to leave.

Other risks? Lack of development can make you a less attractive employee. Stress and burnout. Anger and attitude.

It takes courage and resolve to embark on career transition – especially if you are still in the role. You will need to carve out time to discover what’s next, work on your collateral, apply for roles, network and prepare for interviews.

Prioritising career transition when you’ve already got a busy role can be hard – getting some support can help. That can be an “accountability partner” or a career coach. Just don’t stay too long.

Beyoncé and the great resignation

As a career coach I don’t need convincing that ‘the great resignation’ is real – the dramatic surge in people reaching out to me for support in career change has been compelling enough.

But with the release of Break My Soul, Queen Bey herself is declaring it a “thing” and plugging into the zeitgeist with lyrics that could be an anthem for employee burnout and quitting a job.

Why are people leaving? The conversations I’m having suggest feeling unseen, under-appreciated and seeking both good work and a good life.

When I truly listen for what is unsaid (it’s a coaching thing) what I hear is…

I want my work to have meaning and I’m yearning for connection

…to a leader

…to a community

…to a purpose

Perhaps the pandemic was the catalyst for a collective existential crisis – what do you think?