Are You on the Right Ladder? Does your career reflect your deepest ambitions?
Posted on November 09, 2023 by Cathryn Noyes, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
Most people spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success but when they get
to the top, they realize they are on the wrong ladder.
Do you ever take the time to evaluate where you are in your career and where you are going? Does your work challenge you? Do you find it meaningful and engaging? Does it provide opportunities for growth and success? Are you passionate about your organization’s purpose? Are you satisfied with where you are going?
I recently listened to a podcast that talked about “climbing the right ladder”. Sometimes we get so lost in the day-to-day activities, focusing on succeeding in our jobs, that we don’t lift our heads to think about whether we are in the right career, moving toward our own, unique definition of success. A quote, sometimes attributed to Stephen Covey says:
“Most people spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to realize, when they get to the top, the ladder has been leaning against the wrong wall.”
If we aren’t clear on what success means to us, we can find ourselves in a career or job that does not honor our real passions or reflect our unique definition of what success looks like. Take some time to consider the ladder that you are on – is it leaning against the right wall? When you get to the top, will you have achieved something meaningful to you? If you are not on the right ladder, every rung brings you closer to the wrong destination.
Making transitions mid-career can feel scary or risky. But what is the cost to you if you don’t work towards what fulfills and sustains you? Is it time to re-evaluate what success means to you? You may have jumped on a career ladder that excited you at the time, or a ladder that society, family or friends told you that you should hop on, but that now may no longer suit you. Maybe your goals or interests have changed, or you have lost passion for your industry. Is it time for you to jump on a new ladder?
If so, take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve by changing ladders. Are you looking to change industries? Join an organization that is more mission-driven or aligned with your values? Do you want to start your own venture? Get clear on your goals and then explore new opportunities. Do your homework. What skills, certifications, experiences or connections will help you be successful in your move? Be realistic about what hiring managers will be looking for, but remember that many of the skills and experiences you have collected will be transferable to your new role. You may have to take a cut in pay or a lower management position to get a toe hold in your new career, but with commitment and passion you will succeed and move up quickly.
ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT LADDER?
