What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

It may sound like a question only for children and, in fact, it is a great question for kids to inspire creativity and forward-thinking. It is also typically an easy question to answer when you are a little kid because, developmentally, anything seems possible and imagination is not yet restricted.

However, this is a question to ask yourself at any age—especially if you are going through what I refer to as a, “mid-career crisis”---a feeling or belief that you are “stuck” where you are at, and regardless of how miserable or bored you might be, you believe you have no other career options.

It is not uncommon that many professionals today are working for the same company or in a similar role they started in right out of college. Even those who jump from job to job, do not necessarily intentionally and thoughtfully "job-hop" to a different role they find more purposeful. Who we are right out of college can drastically change as the years go by. Yet, where we spend a large portion of our daily life, work, does not necessarily change accordingly.

In my experience, most working professionals do not realize their career is entirely unfulfilling until years in. While there are many reasons to stay in a job that no longer fuels us, a common one is a sense of comfort. There is a certain comfort level that develops with long-standing employment, even if it is, "miserable comfort":

"Miserable comfort" includes statements such as the following:

“Well, I’m stressed out every day, but at least I know what to expect”,

or

“I hate every aspect of my job, but the paycheck is good.”

Any belief that justifies staying in a mundane, unfulfilling job solely for the sense of familiarity or comfort is what I refer to as, “miserable comfort.”

So, how do we move towards careers that speak to our interests and passions? Careers that align with who we are today? As a start, simply ask yourself, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” It is a question that I challenge unfulfilled professionals with quite often. It serves as a “green light thinking” starting point from which we can springboard off of to explore interests without finances, benefits, responsibilities, comforts, etc…getting in the way. Your answer is not the end all be all---but if you feel “stuck”, it is a start to “un-sticking” yourself.

What would your answer be? If you could be anything in this world career-wise, what would you choose? The answer may very well be an opportunity within your current organization--or you might conclude you are right where you want to be. Either way, have fun pondering, and please do leave your answers in the comments section to inspire other readers!

—Shannon Theobald, MA, LAC

Shannon Theobald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Motivational Speaker / Private Coach based in New Jersey. Shannon is passionate about helping others, and enjoys working with clients in a clinical capacity, as well as, a private coach/motivational speaker. To learn more about Shannon's professional interests and expertise, please visit her website: lemonadeandlove.com