Who Owns Your Career?

"Your career is like a garden. It can hold an assortment of life's energy that yields a bounty for you. You do not need to grow just one thing in your garden. You do not need to do just one thing in your career."—Jennifer Ritchie Payette

Picture this scenario: you need a plumber to fix a leaky pipe, a lawyer to handle legal issues, or a doctor to treat an illness. You seek out these professionals to solve a problem, but what if they turned around and asked you to buy them a book or send them on a training course? It would be frustrating and confusing. Right? Even worse, what if you actually went ahead and provided them with the knowledge they requested, and then they charged you for their services? It sounds absurd, doesn't it?

To excel in their professions, these experts must invest in their own growth and development by using their own resources, such as their “passion to learn”, time and money.

Asking yourself who owns your career can be a daunting and overwhelming question. With so many potential factors influencing our career paths, it can be easy to feel like we're not in control. But the truth is, when it comes down to it, the only person who truly owns your career is you.

In a poll we conducted on LinkedIn, we asked our audience the question, "Who do you believe ultimately Owns your Career?" and the majority of respondents answered with "Me, Myself" at a staggering 75%. This is a powerful reminder that the path to success is largely up to us as individuals.

So, what does it mean to truly own your career? It means taking responsibility for your own growth and development, setting goals for yourself, seeking out new opportunities, and continuously learning and improving. It also means being proactive in building relationships, professional networks and taking calculated risks when necessary.

"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can't get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite knowing what you're doing, but what you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself."—Alan Alda

Of course, this doesn't mean that you have to go at it alone. Seeking out mentors and advocates who can offer guidance and support along the way is an important part of any successful career. But ultimately, it's up to you to take ownership and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

One of the keys to owning your career is to be proactive about seeking out new challenges and opportunities. This could mean taking on a new project at work, seeking out new training or educational opportunities, or even exploring a new career path altogether. Whatever it is, be sure to keep an open mind and stay curious.

Another important factor in owning your career is taking time to reflect on your goals and values. What do you truly want to achieve, and what's most important to you? By taking the time to clarify your priorities and set goals, you can ensure that you're on the right path and making progress towards your desired outcomes.

In conclusion, the ultimate owner of your career is you. By taking ownership and responsibility for your own growth and development, you can pave the way to a fulfilling and successful career. Remember to stay curious, be proactive, and stay true to your goals and values. With the right mindset and approach, anything is possible.

"No one can discover you until you do. Exploit your talents, skills and strengths and make the world sit up and take notice."—Rob Liano

If you are at a point in your Career where you need Guidance and Support, write to?[email protected]?to set up Deep Career Conversations.