The One Where You Take Control of Your Career

Remember that Friends episode where Ross falls asleep on the train, misses his stop, and ends up headed somewhere completely wrong? Meanwhile, his girlfriend is frantically tapping on the window, trying to wake him up before it’s too late. Classic Ross, right?

WAKE UP: too many of us are Ross when it comes to our careers.

We get comfortable, even complacent, snoozing through the stops while companies (who aren’t exactly known for their lifelong loyalty - IYKYK) chart the course.

The result? We wake up one day to realize we’re nowhere near where we wanted to be.

Your career isn’t a train ride with a set schedule.

Your career is a journey where you can (and should) choose the destination.

This week, we’re talking about how to grab the controls, chart your path, and make sure your next stop is exactly where you want to be. Let’s go!

Emotion Highlight: From Overwhelmed to Empowered

When you realize you’re not where you want to be, the first emotion that oftern hits is overwhelm.

It’s like waking up mid-journey and realizing, “Wait, this isn’t my stop!”

Overwhelm gets a bad rap, but it’s actually a helpful messenger. It’s your inner alarm clock, shaking you awake to reassess and regroup.

When we listen to what overwhelm is trying to tell us (whether it’s a need for boundaries, clarity, or action) it can transform into empowerment.

?? Leaders can step back and focus on fostering autonomy within their teams.

?? Professionals can stop the snooze-fest and start moving toward their goals.

Next time you feel the overwhelm creeping in, don’t hit “ignore.” It’s just your wake-up call to take the wheel.

Leadership Insight: Building Autonomous Teams

Leaders, one of the biggest gifts you can give your teams is the ability to drive their own career trains.

Why isn't every leader doing it? Because fostering autonomy means giving up control in some areas … and that’s tough.

Many leaders cling to the throttle, thinking it’s their job to direct every move.

Consider this: true leadership is about creating a system where people can chart their own paths.

Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Share the Map: Ensure your team understands the organization’s vision and how their work aligns with it. Clear goals give direction without micromanagement.
2. Offer the Tools: Autonomy doesn’t mean leaving people to figure it out alone. It means equipping them with the resources, training, and support they need to succeed.
3. Celebrate Stops Along the Way: Recognize and reward initiative. When people see that ownership is valued, they’re more likely to take the reins.

?? Actionable Tip: Identify one process or decision you can hand over to a team member this week. Start small and watch their confidence grow as they own it!

P.S.: Bonus … you’ll free up time to focus on your own growth and bigger-picture goals. Doule Win!

Career Empowerment: Owning Your Path

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll just wait and see where this job takes me,” let me be your girlfriend frantically tapping on the window: WAKE UP!

Companies aren’t the steady, loyal engines they used to be. They’re more like rideshare drivers—taking you where they need you, until they don’t.

So, how do you own your path? Start with small, intentional steps:

• Name Your Destination: What’s your career goal? It doesn’t have to be a grand, lifelong vision—just the next “stop” you want to reach.
• Choose Your Route: Look at your current role. What skills can you develop or showcase that align with your destination?
• Be Like Monica: (Sorry, Ross!) Take charge. Advocate for yourself, pitch your ideas, and create opportunities instead of waiting for them to arrive.

Take Sarah, for example.

She was a financial analyst feeling like her career had hit a plateau. Every day felt like clocking in and coasting on autopilot … until she woke up to her reality.

She could have fallen into the trap of complaining, grumbling and believing all of the excuses. She chose a different path. Instead of waiting for her boss to hand her a growth opportunity, Sarah decided to create one.

She noticed her company struggling with sustainability goals; something no one was tackling but everyone kept talking about. Sarah dove in, researched best practices, and pitched a bold plan to leadership. Not only did she get the green light, but she also became the go-to expert, leading the initiative and gaining visibility across the company.

Today, Sarah’s not just advancing her career, she’s shaping her company’s future as well. And it all started with one question: “What problem can I solve right now?”

?? Pro Tip: This week, set aside time to define one next step in your career. Maybe it’s a skill to learn, a mentor to connect with, or a project to propose. Then, make it happen.

Shared Wisdom

Your career is a journey, not a commute. Don’t just ride along. Steer it where you want to go. - Nicole Perrotta

TL;DR Summary

Wake-up call: Your career isn’t a train ride where you’re just a passenger. It’s time to take control!

??Leaders, empower your teams by sharing clear goals, trusting them with ownership, and celebrating their initiative.

??Professionals, don’t wait for your company to chart your path. Set your own destination, advocate for yourself, and take small, intentional steps toward growth.

Key insight: Overwhelm isn’t your enemy. In fact, it’s your nudge to reassess and reclaim control. Whether you’re steering a team or your own career, autonomy is the key to growth, engagement, and success. Now’s the time to grab the controls and direct your journey!

Let’s Spark a Conversation ??

What’s one time you’ve grabbed the controls and redirected your career?

Or, what’s the next stop on your journey?

Share your stories. I love to hear them! And who knows? Your experience might be the inspiration someone else needs to wake up and take control.