Last month, we left your career car in “park” mode to admire the view, check your career map for routing choices, review the weather forecast and indulge in a light stretch and objective self-reflection on your real company contribution. I suggested your next career gear selection might be “R” for reverse.
Always Move Your Career Gear Forward?
Yes, I know …. you should always move forward, right? Nope!
You might have forgotten to check your oil level, gauge your tire pressure and clean your windshield for better vision. You might have experienced a lateral move, been demoted or even been let go from your job. There are many scenarios to consider and it can be difficult to objectively analyze them. I know; I’ve been there.
What you don’t want is to fall prey to despair or self-pity. The world is not a fair place. Get over it! If circumstances were within your control, think about what you would do differently given the chance. If circumstances were beyond your control, forget about it and move on.
A bump in the road might be a blessing in disguise.
You might take an entirely different career path that offers more risk but greater potential reward, such as starting your own business. Others have done it. After all, I am living proof! And there are other reasons that shifting your career gear into reverse makes sense.
When your family or you are negatively impacted by a work-life imbalance, it might be time to put things in Reverse and revisit your life and career goals. When you invest too much time in your work life and not enough time with the people you work to support, you won’t like the return on investment; I assure you.
Your physical and mental health must be well balanced to deliver value to any company, so pay attention. I always used Reverse mode two or three times a year to reconnect with my most precious resource — namely, my family. No emails or business calls, thank you very much!
Give your family and you travel adventures that they will remember, especially to places with no cell signal. Be smart and occasionally shift from overdrive to reverse.
An Old Adage
Be mindful of the adage “take time to sharpen your axe.” Doing so before venturing back into the career forest to cut more wood will yield better, faster results every time. Backing up and taking a breath restores career perspective and provides a reality check on career progress.
Have you pursued the necessary education, skills training or certifications to reach the next level you seek? You must do the hard work to get ahead in a career.
Want a few suggestions? Consider the following:
- Build your skill stack one brick at a time. Make sure it is the right brick.
- Ensure you can commit to acquiring that brick within a reasonable time frame.
- Finish a first cut of a garage building design for your career. This is the foundation upon which to build.
- One-car, two-car or four-car career garage? Think big but take small steps to gain momentum.
- Get advice from people you respect who have four-car garages. Ask them how they built theirs.
- If you love the company culture, ask the big boss what characteristics and career skills are required in the future. That way, you can plan accordingly.
Looking Backward in Your Career Gear Transition
Remember, driving in reverse means you are looking backward and not through the front windshield to your career destination. Don’t spend too much time on that career gear selection. This is the perfect time of year to get centered and focused on 2026.
The next two months will be busy with holidays; however, I urge you to stay focused on forward progress. Don’t start planning on Jan. 1, 2026! If you do, you’re already behind schedule!
After spending the right amount of time in reverse, it will be time to shift into drive mode for your career. After getting your bearings, skill stack plan, attitude, commitment and goals aligned, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal.
That doesn’t mean going crazy; it does, however, mean shifting gears to get where you want to go.
Next month, I will share insights on working the clutch for smooth gear shifting.
