20 Plus Years: A Journey of Ever-Evolving Careers

In 2019, I authored an article titled "5, 10, and 15 " embarking on a reflective journey through my life experiences and career path. At its core was a single guiding principle that illuminated my way: the relentless pursuit of self-improvement, with the aspiration to become a better version of myself each day. As I reminisce about my early years as an engineer, I realize that while I executed my tasks effectively, a persistent desire to write and express myself through words lingered within me. However, my confidence in my writing abilities was not as steadfast as it is today.

This uncertainty stemmed from my educational background, where I had grown accustomed to writing within predefined topics as part of group assignments, never truly being granted the freedom to convey the thoughts in my mind.

Upon returning to writing, I made the decision to chronicle the two decades of my career as a working woman. This reflection encompasses the enduring nature of my modern career and how it has continually evolved. Join me as I showcase the most recent phase of my life and career, both of which have significantly shaped my journey in an era where careers span decades.

As my career extended over two decades, the responsibility to impart knowledge and drive industry change became even more pronounced. Teaching and providing industry insights were not mere options but imperative for career longevity.

?Challenges and Personal Growth (2018 - 2022)

The period from 2018 to 2022 brought its own unique set of challenges. I set ambitious personal and professional goals that sent me on a quest to reach new heights. However, I found myself at times lost in the expanse of my own dreams, a place where the aspirations soared so high that coming back to reality felt like breaking one's soul.

This phase represented the intricacies of managing a career that now spanned more than two decades. It was about navigating challenges and leveraging personal growth to meet the ever-evolving demands of work. The pursuit of ambitious goals while maintaining a balance became a defining theme.

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The Value of 20-plus Years of Experience

In retrospect, the beauty of this journey is that it's not unique to me. After more than two decades of dedication to my career, the lessons and growth I've experienced are universal.? Avivah wrote in her article What Happens When Careers Last 20 Years Longer? Published in Harvard Business Review in 2016, that “individuals with longer lives will mean that we are likely to reinvent ourselves many times over. We will want to learn to re-learn and be open to repetitive re-training. Lifelong learning will become an essential part of adult development.” (Wittenberg-Cox, 2021)

In my career journey, I realized that transitioning to the private sector played a pivotal role in my growth and ability to contribute to shaping the economy. As my career extended beyond 20 years, I recognized that the private sector offered a unique platform to not only thrive personally but also influence the broader economic landscape. Working in the private sector allowed me to be a part of dynamic and innovative organizations, where I could implement fresh ideas and drive economic progress. In this context, my career became more than just personal development; it became a means to actively shape and impact the economy. As the boundaries of our careers extend further, it's important to consider how our roles in the private sector can lead to positive changes that benefit not only ourselves but also society at large.

In the realm of 20-plus-year careers, one reaches a stage where giving back to others and reshaping industry norms becomes an achievable aspiration. With two decades of experience, individuals gain not just leadership capacity but also the responsibility to steer the strategic direction of their field, aligning it with the needs and perspectives of their team.?

As I conclude this article, I urge each of you to reflect on your own journey. The prospect of careers lasting 20-plus years is not just a reality; it's an opportunity for continuous growth and transformation. Embrace the challenges, invest in your future, and ensure that every day contributes to a better and more fulfilling career.

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Reference:

Wittenberg-Cox, A. (2021, August 27). What Happens When Careers Last 20 Years Longer? Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/10/what-happens-when-careers-last-20-years-longer

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