FESTIVE QUESTIONS

Regular dialogues in recent months with many talented professionals in different parts of the world have revealed just how disruptive 2020 has been to the career plans of so many. For those who are fortunate enough to have sustained their jobs despite the world-wide pandemic, there is frustration at the lack of career progression or that plans for moving on have, of necessity, been put on hold. For others less fortunate and facing displacement from their roles, 2020 has been a time of urgently seeking new roles in a massively constrained and competitive jobs market. 

However one trend that has emerged very clearly from the wreckage of 2020 is a questioning and reappraisal by many individuals about what they really want next from their careers. And this questioning is often at a more fundamental level than answered by just a superficial “bigger and better job with more pay and responsibility”. The turbulence and dislocation of this year has caused many to ask some deeper more challenging questions of themselves i.e.:

?? Am I doing the right thing in my career? 

?? Do I really enjoy what I do? 

?? Is my current role providing me with real opportunity, recognition and fulfilment?

?? Am I really able to use all my attributes and talents in what I am doing right now? 

?? Could there be a different and better future for me somewhere out there? 

?? Am I sacrificing too much of my wider life in favour of the all-consuming world of my work? 

?? Do I need to make some important changes in direction whilst I still have time on my side to do something very different with my career? 

This time of year is often a very good period to take stock of what you are doing and think ahead to changes you might want to make in the New Year to come. However there is a heightened importance to these questions as 2020 draws to a close given all that has happened. For many the year gone-by has had much fear and uncertainty but now, as we look ahead to 2021, there are increasing reasons for renewed optimism as the global scientific community develops more robust solutions to the pandemic. Yes it will be difficult, yes there will be still be big economic and social challenges ahead and yes some things will not return to how they were; but all of human history tells us that large scale disruption also presents many new opportunities for deciding how we want to lead our lives and make a difference in the future. 

So apart from wishing all our clients, followers, colleagues and friends the very best for a very relaxing and enjoyable festive period, at Brosna Consulting we also want to wish you a very productive period of quiet reflection where you can ask yourself some challenging questions about you and your future. 

The time in our careers often disappears quickly beneath us, sometimes at a pace and a direction heavily influenced by others. So why not make the next two weeks or so a time to stand back, take stock and make yourself some new resolutions about what you might want to do differently in 2021? 

And if you need any help in asking and answering these important questions, why not make contact with us for a confidential discussion at [email protected]? We are specialists in coaching individuals to make important career changes and transitions. 

Tim Chapman

Director Brosna Consulting Ltd.

www.brosna-consulting.com

[email protected]

December 2020