Online Book Club: Change Is Constant
“The one constant that you can count on in your career is change.”
As Diane Paddison concludes Work, Love, Pray, she reminds us that our work is bound to change. Each season is different. Today’s hottest trend will likely be tomorrow’s passé. Which means we need to be nimble. We need to accentuate the positive. We need to build a support network.
If you’re like me, you probably want a road map for the future. Five years from now, you want to be on a certain path. Maybe you have plans to marry by a certain age, settle into your career before having children, or achieve certain leadership roles by a specific time frame in your organization. While I’m a big fan of goal-oriented achievement, life has a way of throwing us curve balls – both at home and at work. As hard as we try, we can’t map the future.
What we can do is trust God, work hard, and be nimble.
Life tends to be unpredictable. I laughed out loud when Diane wrote about starting out in business 20 years ago – without a cell phone (let alone a “smart” phone!) I too remember those days, yet now I can’t imagine living without my iPhone. How did I ever get by?
The point is, we can’t know the future. Imagine how technology will impact our work in 20 years. When we’re nimble, change won’t catch us by surprise. We’ll be ready!
As our careers grow and change, we need to accentuate the positive. Each season of life comes with unique challenges. But also with unique benefits. Are you young and single? Enjoy the freedom and use this time to sharpen your skills and earn credibility in your profession. Are you married with small children? Set your boundaries and be thankful for connectivity through technology. Chances are, if you’re known for your work ethic, you’ll be able to set your priorities at home and work without compromising your values. Are you in a lousy job? Thank God for your skills and your networks — and don’t be afraid to move on!
Being positive also means being patient. It takes time to hit your stride – even years. Expect to encounter some trial and error. Don’t be afraid to try a new career path or obtain a new degree. And remember to focus on the positives of this stage of your journey.
It’s OK to ask for help. It’s never too late – or too early – to build a support network. Unfortunately, support networks don’t fall in our laps. We have to seek out opportunities and set our priorities. It takes some work. The good news is that Work, Love, Pray isn’t the ending. It’s the beginning. Check out the many resources in the Appendix for young professional women. Look for mentors who can encourage you and hold you accountable. And stay tuned for developments here at 4word. You can sign up for our email newsletter for all the latest 4word news and weekly friday favorites straight to your inbox. We are also on Twitter & Facebook. This may be the end of the book club, but it’s just the beginning of our friendship.
Thanks for joining us!
So tell us, what are the benefits of your current season? What are the challenges? And how can we help you build your support network?