Reshuffle or Revolution?
You know a tidal wave has hit when you experience the same topic of conversation, but from multiple vantage points in your life.
This is the great question right now:
“Where are all the people!?”
In a recent sermon, my pastor asked this after seeing staffing shortages posted throughout town.
Last week, my college buddy was surprised at the lack of applicants for his new job posting.
My recruiting friends are in the trenches and can’t even take the time to ask this question; they just have to find the people.
In the span of only two years, the talent acquisition space has been flipped on its head.
There are multiple facets to explore and ponder on this topic, such as the mass exodus of professionals from industries like healthcare or education.
However, there is one aspect that is not getting much air time. And one that some of you will feel deep in your core.
It’s not just a reshuffle of people like after the 2008 / 2009 recession.
No. It’s far more intentional than that.
We’re seeing a revolution of career alignment like we’ve never seen before.
As a Career Coach, I help professionals move forward into their next career opportunity. Before starting work together, my clients are stuck in their journey.
I hear a variety of reasons as to why - from wanting to crack the code into the C-Suite and haven’t been able to or being completely unaware of ‘what they want to do when they grow up’ at forty years old.
The underlying concern is a question mark about themselves and what’s next.
Here is my strong hypothesis as to WHY we’re seeing this revolution:
People need to align to the purpose for which they have been created vocationally.
A vocation is:
“A person's employment or main occupation, especially regarded as particularly worthy and requiring great dedication.” - Oxford Dictionary
In 2020, people looked up and started asking:
“Is this worthy of my time?”
“Is there something more that I should be doing?”
“Are my priorities right?”
One blessing out of that hard year was a realization that something needed to change in one’s life.
The WHY became stronger for so many.
In addition to coaching clients, my job is to study the talent market. I could give you industry insights and predictions, but do you want to know a wild and crazy secret?
It doesn’t matter.
Yes, read that again.
Doors are opening that no man can shut.
The revolution of the redirect is right now and I have witnessed an astounding number of them.
Twenty years in the insurance industry — now a Director in Non-Profit.
Sixteen years in the hospitality industry — now a Project Manager in local government.
Six years in the interior design industry — now a Project Manager for a tech company.
Twenty years as an Audiologist — now studying to be an Interior Designer.
Realignment doesn’t have to be a giant leap such as the ones above. Sometimes it’s a lane shift to a new company on the “Right-For-You Industry Highway.”
This is just as powerful!
As a Career Changer myself, there is NOTHING sweeter than walking out the purpose for which I have been created.
I love architects + architecture. In case you’re new to my story, I spent eighteen years in architecture before becoming an Executive Recruiter and now Career Coach.
You could not pay me a million dollars to go back to what I was doing. This is because the nature of what I do now is so intricately tied to my gift and calling on my life.
If you have ever thought:
“Maybe there is more…”
“I wonder if it’s possible to do something different…”
“I’m miserable and need to make a change…”
YES.
Your skills are transferable. Your talents are needed. And there is ONLY ONE YOU!
Don’t let someone else control your career trajectory.
One step towards change is as simple as choosing now to do something different.
Rooting for you!