Today's blog entry is part two in a three-part series entitled, "The 5 Questions." As I stated in part one, the intent of these questions are to get you to think. To reflect. To really take time and consider where you are at in your respective professional career. I also hope to crowd-source questions from my readers. What would you want someone who is a Mid-Level Professional to reflect on? This blog entry is focused on the Mid-Level Professional (4-6 years). The five questions are...
1. Am I Happy? Am I Taking Enough Time for Me?
If you read part 1 of this series, you know the same question is asked. However, think about the importance of this question. Are you happy? Our happiness impacts our lives in a powerful way. We spend a third of our day at work and once you have been in the field for 4-6 years, you really have to take a step back and ask yourself, "Is this for you?" Are you happy? Am I taking enough time for ME?
I will never forget attending NASPA during my earlier years in the profession and attended a session on work/life balance. The presentation itself was okay but I'll never forget one stat that the presenter stated. She stated that in higher education, 50% of your respective graduate program cohort will have left the field after 5 years. I found that shocking. Having now been in the field for awhile now, I understand why the retention is so poor. I believe part of the reasoning is this very question I have posed and the unfortunate realization that people simply are not happy. So, ask yourself, "Are you happy?"
One other point on this question that I think must be stated. It is okay to be selfish. Stop worrying about what others will think including your co-workers, students, etc. Too often people get caught up in the emotional reaction of others and forget to think about their own health and happiness. Be selfish when it comes to your happiness.
2. What Risks Am I Going to Take this Year?
At this stage in your career, you know your profession pretty well. You have a vast knowledge of the resources and skills around you. You should know with fair certainty your strengths and weaknesses. Thus, now is the time to ask yourself, "What risk(s) am I going to take this year?"
Put another way, how will you step out of your comfort zone? I mean, REALLY step out of your comfort zone. Maybe you will advise a new student organization. Maybe you will take on the assessment for your office. Maybe you will put in a proposal to present at a national conference on a topic you know very little about but it interests you. Maybe you will ask for a 5-10% raise in your salary.
If we are going into the deep end, maybe you will discuss with your boss this issues you have that you haven't discussed with him/her yet. Maybe you will finally take the leap into obtaining your Doctorate. Maybe you will discuss starting a family with your significant other. Maybe you will finally say enough is enough and quit your job. Maybe you will start your own business.
My suggestion is to write down a list of things you can do to step out of your comfort zone. Make it your "risks" list. After jotting down 5-10 things, circle the 2-3 that scare the shit out of you and focus on those. Why those 2-3? Those are the risks that scare you but will make you a better professional in the long run.
3. Who Can I Mentor?
Having been in the field for 4-6 years, now is the time to find someone you can mentor. Maybe you already have someone you mentor. Add another. If not, find a student/new professional that is eager to learn. Eager to listen. Eager to make you a better professional.
My two suggestions. 1) Read the book Greater than Yourself by Steve Farber. 2) Find someone that is slightly different than you.
Not sure how to begin mentoring someone? Ask your mentor! If you don't have one, then envision what you would want in a mentor and then become it for someone. The art of giving back will serve as a profound fulfillment in your life.
4. What More will I want in a Job Five Years from Now?
At this point, you have a pretty good idea of what you want in your job. What you like and dislike. The culture you work best in. So as you think about your future, ask yourself, "what more will I want in a job five years from now?" Sure, the easy answer is money but what else? Greater autonomy? Supervision? A seat at the "big" table?
You should always be thinking of your future so when the time comes, you are ready and know what you want that will in turn, make you happy.
5. Who Can Help Me Find Ways to Get More from My Present Job or Prepare Myself for What I Want to Do in the Future?
Simply put, who is going to challenge you? I mean, REALLY challenge you. Push you. Make you a little uncomfortable because they are pushing you to be a better version of yourself you didn't think was attainable. You need to find the person or people that are going to ask the "why" question a lot. To the point that drives you a little nuts but you know you need it.
Why is this important? Think of the best teacher/instructor/advisor you've ever had. I bet they were the person who pushed you to the breaking point but out of a place of love. When you think of that person now, I bet you smirk, smile or have a positive image. So, find someone that can do that for you now at this stage in your career.
As I stated above, I'd love to see what other reflective questions you have for mid-level professionals. Leave them in the comment section. Thanks for reading!
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