Exploring Your Next Career Move is like Training for a Marathon

Three times a week at 5:45 a.m., my feet hit the pavement.

It’s still pitch black — an ungodly hour to start a run, some might say — and yet it’s also the quietest and best time to hit the ground running…literally. (Quite frankly, also ideal to get this run over and done with first thing!) So when the alarm goes off, I lace up my shoes and head out into the increasingly cold air. And I run.

The New York City Marathon is less than two weeks away — Sunday, 6 November, to be precise — and that’s what I’ve been training for since July. (If you’re in the area, please do come cheer on the incredible souls who thought it was a good project to undertake.) This will be my fifth marathon and, safe to say, most likely my last. Unlike previous trainings, this one has been deflating, leaving me dejected and disappointed. I consider myself a fairly healthy individual (which is surprising, considering the amount of hot chocolate I knock back), and yet age is not just a number — it’s also a creaking pain in the joints!

The past few weeks got me thinking — and I do have lots of time to think as I huff and puff on my various runs  – about my incredible clients. More often than not, they seek out coaching because they are at a career crossroads and looking for the next thing…and this process of career exploration is so very aligned with the experience of training for a marathon.

You need direction:

If you don’t know where you want to go, you are likely not going to get far. Some individuals come to me and really haven’t thought of where they are headed or how long they want to give themselves to explore, and so we start with the end in mind. Where is your finish line? This usually emerges through self-assessments and other reflective exercises. A great place to start is by revisiting your values: check out VIA Character Strengths.

Motivation is key:

Just as you need a reason to run, you need a reason to make a career change. What’s your reason? Are you seeking a different environment, new challenge, better financial situation? Motivation matters, because that’s what keeps you moving when the going gets tough.

Training is HARD:

Sure, some days it’s a breeze when you’ve had ample rest, and other times putting one foot after the other just feels heavy and slow. Job hunting is similar. Some days you get good insights and great leads, and other times nothing seems to move. As hard as it feels on off-days, know that pushing through will help you succeed. And quite frankly, what’s the alternative…staying at the starting line?

The end seems far:

When I find myself getting dropped off on Staten Island and realizing that we have to run back to get home, I will admit to having a small sinking feeling. Luckily, each mile and km is mapped out, so you can take it mile by mile. Same for the exploration and search: take it step by step. Keep track of your progress in a journal or app, so that you can look back at your notes for encouragement over time.

Demotivation happens to the best of us:

Sometimes you’ll feel like giving up. That is to be expected! Accept that demotivation is (more often than not) temporary, and you’ll be able to move past that tough moment with perseverance and support.

Here are a couple tips to consider to help you get to your finish line:

Know your limits:

We all have big dreams. Some happen more naturally, and others need a lot of fuel. Be honest with yourself about the work and time you need to put in to reach your aspirations.

Stop if it hurts:

Literally — no goal is worth unbearable physical or mental pain.

You can pick a different race:

One of my favorite reminders: you always have permission to change your mind, pivot, and pursue a new path!

Keep your cheerleading squad close:

You always need support — especially when you want to give up. Assembling your cheering squad is a must for any attempts at success in this marathon of life.

Running may be a solo pursuit for many, but your career journey certainly doesn’t have to be. Keep hitting the pavement and asking for help when you need it. 

And to all my fellow marathoners reading this blog: good luck, and take in each moment step by step. To all the boisterous and raucous cheerleaders: you are the magic to the madness that is a marathon. Thank you in advance, and see you at the finish line!

With joy,

Dr. Helen

I am running in honour of my friend Mia, who was diagnosed with ALS last year. If you would like to contribute to ALS research and patient support, you can donate here. Thank you so much.