[04.26.09]
5 great comments!
Your Career. Happy Trails?
Sometimes your career feels like a nice long trail hike. Ever go on one of those?
As you move through your career, the terrain changes with the geography or the industry. When companies do well, it is all downhill trails. When times are tough – like now – everything feels like an uphill trail. Tonight’s post is a story – of sorts – that extends the hiking analogy to the situation many of you are in today. I’d love your feedback on this one as I’m trying to find new and interesting ways to deliver my ideas. If you like it, share it with friends!
It’s another bright spring day on the big trail. You got going early to avoid the crush of other nature lovers wanting lead position heading up the hill. The air is cool and the sticks have a louder snap as you and your team head out and up. Another Monday brings the usual uptick in chatter as weekend updates pour in from up front, rolling back to the rear. Light laughter and the occasional sarcasm – typical banter in a well-formed team.
The team of ten has been on this trail for eight years. The first six a dream, the last two admittedly a struggle as the company’s product has slowly become obsolete. The team remains upbeat however as a new trail leader has just joined and promised to open new trails for the team. There is a little extra energy in the legs this morning to be sure.
You smile as the sun begins to warm your face and, as the team begins to naturally spread out on the trail, you notice a few team members heading down a new trail right near the spot where the river washes up. Hard to tell who it is. You try to call out to the teammate in front but they are too far away. Well, perhaps a new way? As you approach the turn and the river, your eyes ahead, a gentle hand squeezes your shoulder. You look to find an uncomfortable smile and a head nodding away from the trail.
As you head down this new trail, you see the rest of the team littering different spots on the trail. Some eyes ahead and some eyes on you. Gee, you wonder, I hope they’ll be OK. You call out and wave.
No response.
The trail winds down to the river bank and you can see two other teammates resting on rocks. Each talking with what appears to be a ranger. Did we break some rules?
You are guided to a rock of your own. You learn that the trail has only the capacity for seven hikers today and, it turns out, for the foreseeable future. But, you say, my legs aren’t tired! I’ve been hiking this trail for eight years! What will I do?
The guide leaves you quickly after explaining a few things. Things that are likely to help you find a new hiking trail. You are given a brown sack filled with helpful resources – designed to support you as you walk along the river looking for a new trail. You open the box and find the following:
1. map of the area including all of the available trails.
2. full canteen of cold water
3. two bags of granola, one package of beef jerky and a jar of mixed nuts
4. first aid kit designed to last four weeks
5. fresh pair of thick socks
This is what I will live on? What if I can’t get with another team. What if there are no open trails?
You notice that the guide took your walking stick and backpack. You remember now that those were provided for hiking with this team. On that trail.
Having heard angry words from rock one and loud sobbing from rock two, you look up to find only emptiness. Your two other team members could not have gone too far, right? You assume they’ll be back soon to begin a smaller team effort toward the new trail.
You react with only a confused quiet. What just happened?
But you pick yourself up and start walking. It’s what you do. The rest of the day continues as you walk beside the river, over large rocks, through sharp brush. You are optimistic and find even the difficult slopes an interesting challenge. You can do this . . .
As the day ends, you are excited to see a few other hikers down by the water as the river meets another. It turn out there are other off-trail hikers. You compare stories and find their experience about four weeks longer than yours. They point out a few trails up their river that might be open next week. Thankful, you head upstream.
You remind yourself not to rest. Even though there are moments where the water looks absolutely inviting and you are hot, dirty and tired. Of course, your think, there’s no time for a swim. Others will beat me up to the next open trail. So you continue.
Weeks into your search for an open trail, your body speaks louder about its ailments. Poison oak, blisters, sunburn. Legs are now sore and your mouth gets dry. After eight years of a challenging but stable walk, why is this so hard?
You turn a corner and notice that the riverside walkway is disappearing. Within a few more steps it is gone only to re-appear on the other side of the fast moving water. Well, you need to adapt. So here goes.
Your first steps into the river are confident ones. Easy steps onto firm rocks. As you take a few more steps, the rocks start to jostle and your shoe begins to slip as you shift the weight. It is the next rock that does it – combined with entering a surprisingly faster part of the stream. These dual forces knock you to the side and you are now tumbling quickly down some light rapids. No danger, just no way to stop.
You fight it at first and then, realizing you cannot, try to balance and begin thinking. Thinking about how you can use some of your lifelong trail smarts to find a soft landing. Your quick thinking pays off as you are able to ease over to a big stick bouncing along with you. Grabbing the stick you are able to slowly steer your path out of the fast water and into the easier flow. Safe.
For the first time you notice that the water is actually quite nice. The skin has cooled and the itching has eased. And, yes, there is a waterfall over to your right. Other off-trail people are actually swimming and laughing together under the cool spray. Should they be looking for a trail?
After picking up a few ideas from the others and spending a few fun hours swimming, resting and appreciating the water, you decide to head out. In the mind, out comes an interesting thought. That you haven’t enjoyed the water like that for years. All that time on the trail, looking down, and never once did you come down to see it or enjoy it.
With a new perspective, the wobbly legs aren’t as concerning. Unsure footing is something you anticipate and plan for each day. A fast moving river can be a fun challenge.
The next day, you see the same sun coming through the same trees. The same sun that welcomed you the day you were escorted off the trail. Nothing has changed! The same successful person is still hiking. The one who received awards and commendations on the last trail is still walking and fighting hard near the river.
You remember what it feels like to compete. To prove yourself and to share your message of success with others. Your legs feel stronger than ever and you are climbing past others who decided not to enjoy the waterfall. Who decided that they were still being treated unfairly. This is OK. &
#0160;I can do this.
#0160;I can do this.
Mid-way up an especially tough trail, you are smiling and in a good place. You wave at someone near a trail opening and wish them well. They wave back and you stop to share hiking experiences. Comfortable and confident, your past successes and recent challenges are told with passion and strength. Asking about this trail, you find out they just started carving it through the trees and needed a few people to walk it well. Did you know anyone?
A big smile and you are excitedly heading up your new trail. A new backpack and walking stick. As you walk with fresh pride around a roughly carved corner, you see a few off-trail folks through the trees looking confused and angry. Despite your new focus, you stop and call out. Surprised, they look up.
Me?
Yes, you say. Can I help?
More From TimsStrategy
- Re-Starting Your Job Search…10 Buttons To Push
- On The Job Hunt? What’s Your Angle?
- What Is Your Work Philosophy?
TimsStrategy Recommends
- Knowing Your Personality Type for Your Career | Career Rocketeer – Career Search and Personal Branding Blog (Career Rocketeer)
- Your Ideal Resume! (Career Rocketeer)
Written by: Tim Tyrell-Smith
Tags: Career | idea | Job Search | laid off | Strategy
Categories: Keeping A Positive Attitude In Life
New: Job Search Strategy Software Coming Soon!
Sign Up For The Newsletter
Order New Business Cards
Your Favorite Posts
- 10 Reasons Why People Follow On Twitter
- 10 Signs You Are Being Lazy On LinkedIn
- 10 Tips: Asking For Recommendations On LinkedIn
- 10 Ways To Penetrate Your Target Companies
- 11 Ways To Personalize A LinkedIn Invite
- 3 Presentation Mistakes You Have To Avoid
- 31 Ways To Uncover The Interesting Parts Of You
- FAQ – Job Search, Career And Life
- FlashCard – A New Business Card For Networking
- How To Build Social Credibility During Job Search
- My Favorite Resume And CV Template – TruFocus
- The Must-Have Resume Companion – The SoloSheet
- Using Twitter: A Really Simple Daily Checklist
- What's Your Brand Promise?
Buy A Book From Tim
Read A Recent Post
Find A Topic You Like
- Career And Life Development (30)
- Cover Letters And Resumes (31)
- How To Find A New Job (114)
- Job Interview Tips And Questions (46)
- Keeping A Positive Attitude In Life (60)
- Learning And Using Social Media (27)
- Personal And Business Branding (25)
- Social Networking (88)
- Work-Life Balance (28)
- Your Personal Marketing Materials (19)
Watch A Free Webinar By Tim
Get Marketing Help
Find A Resume Pro or Coach
Pingback: Tim Tyrell-Smith