No one disagrees that 2020 has been a challenge. For those employed and enjoying one of the strongest economies in the history of the U.S., the global pandemic has sent shockwaves through the intersection of business and commerce. But thanks to a quick and decisive response from the federal government, we’ve bought ourselves some time to reassess our next move.
Are you making the most of this time? If your career arc to date can be represented in acts of a play, this might be considered a brief intermission. Anthropological researchers have a more complicated term for it—liminality. It’s a state of transition between one stage and the next—and it doesn’t have to leave you feeling anxious, worried, or scared about what the future may hold as long as you keep an open mind.
For most people, self-reflection is an underutilized exercise. We’re so focused on our families, our kids, our playdates, our sports leagues, and pleasing others that we never take the time to assess our own needs and satisfaction. Could that be why so many people are needlessly unhappy?
Here’s a simple exercise. Write down answers to the following five questions:
- As to my career and life plan, have I been consistently resistant to change?
- Am I doing what really makes me happy?
- If I had financial stability, what would I choose to do for maintaining my lifestyle and income?
- Am I willing to put a little time and effort into exploring my personal development?
- Do I have the courage to begin doing something about it?
If the past few months have been—or might still become—a time of reflection on your life, career, and financial goals, you owe it to yourself to explore your possibilities. Those of us who have reached their mid-life milestone are blessed. It should be a time of reflection, but also one of the possibilities still within your reach. You don’t have to settle, because there’s still time to chart a path in life you’ve always dreamed about.
In my job, I’ve been fortunate enough to guide many people through career transitions to a future of entrepreneurism through franchise ownership. Firsthand experience has taught me that the 50+ generation has a keen eye for serving people and getting results. And they believe that proven and tested methods provide predictive evidence for success.
Everyone’s situation is unique. If you’re willing to explore your boundaries, imagine a different set of circumstances and embark upon a new career act, there’s no better time than the present. You might find a different path that matches up perfectly with your lifestyle, financial goals, and desires for a better work-life balance. I know because I see it every day. During this time of uncertainty, don’t be afraid to contemplate your next move.
About the Author
Sara Waskow is the Dallas-Fort Worth Market President for FranNet, the nation’s leading franchise consultancy. She’s a career transition specialist whose no-cost, no-obligation expertise matches individuals to business opportunities that best fit their unique goals and talents. Sara is a member of Success North Dallas, the Southlake and Grapevine Chambers of Commerce, and the Cowtown Executives Association. She graduated from Texas A&M University and has lived in the DFW area for over 30 years. She can be reached at [email protected].