How You Slow Your Career with Good Intentions

The market is tight. The competition is fierce. Gaining traction seems ever more challenging. I'm seeing people betting it all on external entities to move them forward, an inclination that deserves closer scrutiny. Here, I'll break down two paths that have caught my attention.

My Gut Said Yes; My Mentor Said, “Let's Workshop That”

The journey from roaring instinct to whiney inbox draft

When things get challenging, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that the key to career advancement lies in seeking external validation and guidance. Many highly experienced professionals are now turning to mentors and career coaches for advice and feedback on their decisions. It becomes their bubble wrap suit. I find it odd when someone who has been in the industry for many years tells me that they need to talk to their mentor before getting back to me. You're a seasoned professional with 20+ years under your belt, but now you can't make a decision without "phoning a friend?" Don't get me wrong: having a mentor can undoubtedly be beneficial, but overly relying on one to dictate your path can inadvertently stifle your growth. If you genuinely want to succeed, it's time to adopt a more independent approach. That's not to say that you can't or shouldn't seek other's input. Surround yourself with competent individuals who may hold differing views. Welcome challenges to your ideas; diversity of thought leads to more informed decisions. Most importantly, trust your instincts and judgment. Your career is not a waiting game; it is a dynamic course that you must navigate with confidence. Stop waiting for someone else to pave the way; make your own choices and forge your path.

“My Second Degree Has a Minor in Procrastination”

Higher learning, lower urgency.

Another common query I encounter is whether individuals should return to college for an additional degree. This question is multifaceted and often depends on factors such as age, skill gaps, or shifts in the job market. My response may not be popular and will surprise many people, considering my background. However, my answer more often leans toward "no," especially if you're in the latter part of your career. Many people opt to pursue further education not to enhance their skills but as a way to buy time or use it as an excuse to delay critical career decisions. Rather than viewing returning to college as a remedy, consider alternatives such as obtaining certificates or engaging in self-training. These routes can be more time-efficient and financially viable, helping you enter your desired field sooner while actively engaging with the job market. Don't let the fear of making the wrong choice paralyze you into a state of inertia.

Owning your career journey is non-negotiable; stop waiting for a promotion or hoping that the perfect job will magically appear. Your career progression is solely your responsibility. You must take the initiative to determine your aspirations and the paths you want to explore. While leveraging your professional network is essential, since your net worth is indeed tied to your network, it's crucial first to have clarity about your goals. Time is our most valuable asset; once it's gone, we can't get it back. If you're going to hit up your network, know what you want from them. Only then can you tap into your contacts effectively and create meaningful connections. If you haven't created a personal mission, vision, and values statement, now is the time to do so. Together, these foundational tools act as a compass, guiding your professional decisions and actions. Revisit them regularly; knowing who you are and what you stand for is paramount for shaping your future. Without this self-awareness, navigating the intricacies of career advancement becomes a perilous venture filled with uncertainty.

 “Authentically Yours (After Several Drafts)”

Because you deserve to meet yourself before HR does

 As you engage with others in a professional context, be cautious about how you perceive and represent yourself. When someone claims they are a "people person," for example, I often wonder if there may be an underlying issue. Such self-descriptions can sometimes conceal underlying issues, i.e., the inability to make genuine connections. Approach these declarations, whether yours or someone else's, with a healthy dose of skepticism and focus on striving for authenticity in how you present your capabilities.

Pursuing a career intentionally means reflecting deeply on who you are and who you aspire to be. Recognizing your strengths and addressing weaknesses truthfully ensures that you present your best self, not just to others but to yourself as well. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth, as these experiences empower you to approach your career with unwavering confidence and clarity.

Unleash your independent mind and own your career with unapologetic intent. Do not accept the agenda that someone else has mapped out for your career. Define your goals, seek out diverse opinions, and be proactive in your personal and professional development. By doing so, you'll ensure that your good intentions don't inadvertently slow your career but instead propel you forward into new and exciting opportunities. Do not waste another moment waiting for others to guide you; seize control and actively shape your future.

 About the Author

Will Conaway is recognized as a strategist offering informed perspectives on technology, healthcare, leadership, economics, and historical trends.

His leadership has earned him prestigious accolades, including the ONCON Icon Award for Global Healthcare, Constellation's Business Transformation 150 Award for leadership in digital transformation, and Becker's Hospital Review's 100 Hospital and Health System CIOs to Know. His extensive teaching background includes work at Cornell University's ILR School, Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and Sloan College of Human Ecology. Will collaborates with Gen. George Casey Jr., former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, in teaching VUCA.

As an industry thought leader, Will serves on the Board of Directors at Momentum Innovative Disability. He is a member of the Forbes Technology Council, the World Economic Forum, and the Kansas State University Psychology Advisory Council. You can find his podcasts on Apple and Spotify or read his materials at Forbes.com.