"Since I turned my vocation into my profession, working feels like leisure time!"
This feedback pleased me particularly, as I feel the same way since the change into my current role but also because the starting point for the coaching regarding a professional reorientation had not been the easiest: a position that had been achieved through a lot of effort and personal investment, with the prospect of a next career step. Further education in a field that did not immediately promise career change opportunities combined with the desire for more meaning and fulfilment at work.
"I need more clarity on how to proceed professionally" was the starting point for the coaching.
In an initial session, the coachee identified what brings joy in his current role and what is missing, what his true vocation might be, and which skills and experiences could help him to develop in the desired direction. In the second session, each career option was explored as a journey into the future: "Imagine you have chosen this option: What does your workday look like? What do you like about it? How does it feel? How does it impact your environment? How did you manage the transition?" These questions brought more clarity about the next steps and, most importantly, increased confidence that a realignment is possible.
During the next contact, the coachee shared: "I asked around in my network and, by chance, found out that there is a position that would fit me perfectly. I have an initial meeting next week." This meeting resulted in a job contract, and now the work mostly feels like leisure time.
How you or others can gain more clarity about your career through coaching
Not every coaching leads to such a rapid and significant change. But in each case, it helps to gain more clarity about your current situation and your related wishes. Whether for yourself or as a leader supporting others: the following two methods can help bring more clarity about one’s true vocation.
Proposal 1: Farewell speech on retirement
Imagine looking back on your career at the moment of retirement when you summarise your achievements. What are you proud of? What have you accomplished? How did you do it? What defines you? What will you leave behind? Answer these questions for yourself and write your farewell speech. Afterwards, consider what next steps are necessary to reach this retirement moment. Make these steps as concrete as possible and review their potential impact on your life before taking action.
Suggestion 2: Search for your ikigai
‘Ikigai’ refers to the Japanese philosophy of life of doing what most frequently puts you into a state of flow. Roughly translated, it means ‘life’s purpose’ or ‘what makes life worth living’. Using a series of questions, the search for one’slife’s meaning was translated into Western language. Together with a conversation partner, you speak yourself through the following questions:
1) What I truly enjoy doing: share for 5 minutes, summarise what you heard for 2 minutes, then switch roles.
2) What I am truly good at: tell for 5 minutes, summarise for 2 minutes, then switch roles.
3) What I get paid for — now or in the future: discuss for 5 minutes how to earn money and how much is needed.
4) What the world needs: discuss for 5 minutes which activities can have a positive impact on the world to make it a better place.
5) What is my Ikigai: freely associate what could be the connecting element of what has already been said; tell for 5 minutes, summarise for 2 minutes, then switch roles.