What a Difference a Year Makes

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."

~ Jimmy Dean

Introduction

Yesterday was a strange anniversary for me.  A year ago, on September 12th, an unexpected chapter of my career ended. After dedicating 8,740 days to the same company, my journey took an abrupt turn. The initial days that followed were peculiar, marked by a sense of purposelessness. As weeks passed, my mind anxiously drifted to projects I had once fretted over yet had to regularly remind myself that these were no longer my responsibility.

Adapting to the New Normal

During those first few weeks, I'll admit I struggled. The usual drive seemed to dissipate. I found some solace in organizing our home for our move back to Ontario, though my wife observed a change in me. Looking back, I recognize those early days were tinted with elements of loss and mild depression. With nearly 23 years spent at the same company, the finality of my journey there was a weighty transition for me. Navigating such change isn't easy; job loss is a formidable ordeal for many.

Addressing the Impact of Job Loss

Statistics Canada reveals that each year, 5 to 10% of Canadians face permanent job loss. This unfortunate situation can cast a significant shadow over long-term earnings. Moreover, the later in one's career this setback occurs, the more profound its impact on future opportunities. However, my intention in sharing this isn't to dwell on the negative aspects of such an experience. Rather, my aim is to provide the positive insights gleaned over the past year.

At the conclusion of this article, you'll find a compilation of reflection questions inspired by my personal journey. I encourage you to dedicate time in the upcoming week to ponder these questions, especially in the context of where you stand in your own career journey right now.  Let’s dive in.

Revelation 1: My family is my priority.

My last role placed me in Vancouver, distanced by 4,200 km from most of our family. This geographical gap underscored the significance of being close to our loved ones. With the prospect of having to start a new chapter on the career-front, reflecting on aging parents, and my daughters' budding careers and relationships, being physically close to family became paramount to us. Although I cherish memories of living in incredible places, my deepest sense of belonging and love is rooted in family.  Now that we are back home, I know this was meant to be.

Fun Fact:

Here's an interesting tidbit before we proceed. Over my 11 years of traversing various regions and countries globally, if we tally up my total flight distance, I've circumnavigated the planet approximately 24.3 times, covering nearly 1.1 million kilometers by air.

Revelation 2: Time Flies, Make the Most of It!

It's startling to realize that a whole year has passed. This revelation underscores the fleeting nature of time itself. The past year has underscored how precious our time on Earth truly is. Gaining momentum after the initial shock of my exit, I took much needed time for personal reflection. I began uncovering what truly resonated with me and what was missing. Now, each day I awaken with a clear purpose, eager to embrace whatever it brings. While I recognize there's more I could be doing, I now understand that this time is a rare gift – a chance to pursue purpose with enthusiasm.

Revelation 3: The Perils of Being Comfortable

The silver lining in my exit was the realization that I had grown complacent in the comfort of my career. While I miss elements of my old job, particularly the people, I acknowledge that my attachment to familiarity hindered my growth. The comfort of the company I considered "family" led me to rely too much on others for my destiny. But when the decision was made for me, I clearly understood the paramount importance of taking ownership of my career path. Continuous growth requires consistently stepping out of one's comfort zone, without placing blind faith in any company or boss.

Revelation 4: Rediscovering My Identity

Losing my role forced me to confront my identity, which had become intertwined with my job title, role, and company. Without these, I navigated a journey of self-re-discovery. Over the past months, I've embraced new identities: friend, father, son, husband, artist, strategist, learner, teacher, and more. These multifaceted identities weave into a tapestry that transcends any single title.  It feels much more liberating to possess an identity adorned with a vibrant wardrobe, as opposed to relying solely on a single title that could vanish at any given moment.

Revelation 5: Seek Joy and Alignment

The most profound revelation this past year, was recognizing the silent suffering I endured by neglecting activities that brought me joy. In my final months, I was out of alignment, veering away from what truly ignited my passion. Establishing Leadership In Focus reignited my passion and allowed me to rediscover my creative drive. Through this venture, I've rekindled my enthusiasm for strategy, creativity, writing, problem-solving, learning, and helping others.

Revelation 6: Embrace Uncertainty and Growth

Doubt often creeps in – am I cut out to be an entrepreneur? Will my business idea pay off? Can I deliver the value I believe I can? While these thoughts hint at imposter syndrome, my ultimate desire to help others outweighs uncertainties. Reconnecting with Curtis Scaplen, our shared zeal for leadership development and problem-solving fuels our journey. I'm genuinely thrilled about this new chapter and the potential it holds. I'm confident that Leadership In Focus will make a mark, and I hope that sharing my insights from the past year resonates with you, guiding your career decisions toward joy, satisfaction, and value.

Closing Thougths

"In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself."

~ Deepak Chopra

Panic may surface on some days and nights, but this feeling is a reminder of my desire to help – and I believe this is my calling. As Curtis Scaplen and I forge ahead on this journey, driven by our shared passion for leadership development, business solutions, and growth, my excitement for the future continues to flourish. My wish is that the lessons I've gleaned over the past year resonate with you, guiding your path to fulfillment and value.

Take Action This Week:

As promised earlier, here are 9 thought-provoking questions for you to consider in the days ahead. My intention is that by reflecting on these into these, you'll uncover hidden desires, passions, and interests, potentially paving the way for a new chapter in your career.

 1.     Reflect on a pivotal moment in your career journey. How did you navigate the uncertainty that came with change, and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?

2.     Can you recall a time when you felt adrift due to change? How did you cope with the emotional challenges, and how has that experience influenced your growth?

3.     Have you ever encountered a significant professional setback? How did you channel that experience to shape your trajectory towards a brighter future?

4.     Take a moment to consider the sacrifices your family makes to support your career. Is the resulting return still aligned with your priorities and aspirations?

5.     Reflect on the passage of time and its influence on your goals. Which objectives and priorities might need adjustment based on your current position in your life's timeline?

6.     How content are you with your current career situation? Are you actively seeking growth and embracing novel challenges?

7.     To what extent does your identity hinge on your job or career? What other facets of your identity bring you joy and fulfillment?

8.     Are there past activities or pursuits that ignited joy but have since taken a back seat? How can you reintegrate these sources of happiness into your life?

9.     When confronted with self-doubt, what strategies can you employ to bolster your confidence and pursue your aspirations with determination?

Has this ignited a new train of thought within you? I sincerely hope so. As you embark on the next phase of your journey, propelled by your reflections on these 9 questions, I wish you resounding success.