ACT, values & careers

Follow your dreams

Do what you love

Set goals and stick to them

Have a five year plan

The world is your oyster

Dream big & success will come your way

Have a go. Get a go.

Simplistic sayings that imply it's your fault if things don't work out. 

In reality, not everyone is going to make it big, no matter how many wishes they make, no matter how bright and colourful their dream boards. Some of those who do "make it" will find they're still empty inside, but don't know what they're seeking. 

InThe best career advice you'll never hear at a graduation speech MacAskill says:

start finding out what’s valuable, and get help working out the ways in which your career can make for a better world.

A story:
Fusion
Years ago, I worked with John the accountant. He was distressed because he hated his job. There was nothing for it but to retrain, but how would he do this with a mortgage and family to support? He wanted to work in medicine. He dreamed of helping people and supporting them through their illness, but instead felt doomed to an unfulfilled life with periods of being bitterly unhappy. He was completely demoralised, couldn't find anything to look forward to and felt his family was suffering as a result of his misery. 

Values
After a while it was clear it wasn't accounting he hated, but the company where he worked. He was privy to some of their unethical business practises, which were unhelpful to clients & the local community. He valued honesty and integrity. 

He wanted to be proud of the company he worked for. 

He valued his family and wanted more balance in his week rather than working long hours and being on call 7 days a week.

We talked about his core values and needs (more about values here) as well as his skills. 

Discussions like this can sometimes feel unsettling; we're not used to talking about what's deeply important to us, so we're hesitant and unsure. We feel the way cautiously. It can also seem like you're circling round the issue and as if it's not really related to your career - but it is! Making career decisions based firmly on your values is life affirming - the outcome doesn't have to be grandiose or world changing to be of value in your corner of the world.

Career exploration based on values is more real than simplistic soundbites repeated ad nauseam. You're starting with self knowledge, and an understanding of your unique blend of values and skills. You're starting what's important to you as an individual. It takes work. It's rewarding!

Defusion and acceptance
Once John stopped fusing with his anger and the distress he experienced at being expected to act unethically, he was able to see that he genuinely enjoyed accounting. Allowing space and time for the negative feelings to rise and be accepted without fighting them was an important step in the process. That negativity was clouding his judgement and colouring his attitude towards his profession.

Taking committed action
Retraining wasn't necessary! John brightened up considerably as he realised that working as an accountant for a doctor, a medical testing laboratory, or in a hospital would support his values and make use of his original training.

And whilst job hunting, cold calling, writing letters of application and making your resume sing aren't always fun, when they're conducted with a view to supporting your core values it feels like your time is well spent and your decision will be based on a solid foundation.