Life Beyond the Ladder, Part V - A Calling
The Life Beyond the Ladder article series was written to support you as you step into a new chapter of your life and consider how self-discovery can reshape your understanding of the world and your place in it.
This transformative journey can offer profound insights, emotional exploration, and a sense of connection to something larger than yourself. Whether you’re exploring new belief systems, deepening your existing faith, or simply seeking a greater sense of meaning, this deep-rooted questioning can lead you to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
It’s not unusual to explore existential questions during times of significant life changes beyond leaving a long-term profession. Midlife can bring divorce, the death of a loved one, a health crisis, or even successfully reaching a long-held goal, only to experience the emptiness and wonder what comes next – all wrapped up in thoughts of our own mortality. This can lead to overwhelm and confusion.
A way to work through it all is with a powerful combination of questioning and taking small action steps. Questioning allows you to understand what truly matters and challenge assumptions so you can make the best decision for yourself. It also helps you identify recurring patterns and behaviors so you can create and commit to a plan. Taking action enables you to influence the direction of your life and shape your own destiny. By trying new things, you gain new experiences and skills that broaden your horizon and increase your confidence.
The by-products of this combination of questioning and taking action include:
Reduced stress and anxiety: Taking proactive steps can alleviate the uncertainty associated with life transitions;
Improved resilience: Adapting to change and overcoming obstacles strengthens your ability to cope with future challenges; and
Increased synchronicity: Exploring different paths can lead to unexpected and fulfilling discoveries and serendipitous opportunities.
Here are some examples of how to use this dual approach when transitioning from a long-term career to a life calling:
Reflect on personal values and beliefs:
Questions: What matters most to me? What are my non-negotiables going forward? How do my values align with my life choices?
Actions: Reflect on past experiences to identify recurring themes and patterns. Create a personal values list and journal about how to integrate them into your life.
Engage in meaningful activities:
Questions: What brings me joy and fulfillment? What are my current interests? How can I use my skills and talents to make a difference?
Actions: Explore new activities and passions. Spend quality alone time to explore your questions and ensure your actions are aligned.
Connect with others:
Questions: Who are the people I trust and admire? How have their perspectives influenced my own? What can I learn from their experiences?
Actions: Spend time with loved ones. Join a community of interest to meet others and find a role model or mentor.
Explore spiritual or philosophical concepts:
Questions: What are my beliefs about the Universe and humanity? How do these beliefs shape my understanding of life? Are there other perspectives I should consider?
Actions: Read books on philosophy or spirituality. Attend workshops or seminars to validate your learning and deepen your practices.
Seek guidance, if needed:
Questions: Is my mental health being affected by this life transition? Am I having difficulty working with existential questions? Would a professional be able to provide support and guidance?
Actions: Research and connect with a therapist, counselor or coach. Explore different modalities to see what works best for you.
Once these initial steps are taken, you may choose to explore one of the most rewarding aspects of life beyond the professional ladder – new opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the world. Consider your legacy. What you want to be remembered for? What kind of role model do you want to be for others? What impact do you want do you want to make on the world?
To maximize your impact and create a truly integrated life, consider how your contributions can align with your personal values and beliefs. Integration means harmonizing different aspects of your life, such as your work, relationships, and personal growth. When your contributions are aligned with your values, you’re more likely to find them fulfilling and profound.
Here are three ideas on how to use your skills and experiences to make a consequential difference:
1. Share Your Knowledge and Expertise
Impact: Sharing your experience can help others learn and grow. It’s also a great way to start a business, if you’re entrepreneurially inclined.
Actionable Steps: Write articles, give talks, or mentor others in your field. Stay active in your professional organizations and participate in networking events.
Integration: Sharing your knowledge and expertise can be a fulfilling way to give back to the community. It can also help you stay connected to your professional network and continue to learn and grow, especially if you decide to monetize your expertise.
2. Volunteer Your Time
Impact: By volunteering, you can use your skills and expertise to help others and make a positive difference in your community.
Actionable Steps: Find neighborhood needs or research local organizations that align with your interests and values for current opportunities.
Integration: Volunteering can be a great way to connect with others, build relationships, and find a sense of belonging. It can also help you develop new skills and learn more about yourself.
3. Start a Nonprofit Organization
Impact: Starting a nonprofit organization can allow you to create a lasting impact on the world by addressing a social or environmental issue, supporting the arts or expanding educational opportunities.
Actionable Steps: Develop a business plan, register your organization as a nonprofit, and start by addressing one issue.
Integration: Starting a nonprofit can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. It can also help you further develop your leadership skills, build a network of like-minded individuals, and make a significant difference in the world.
By making a meaningful contribution to the world, you can create a lasting legacy that will be long remembered while making a difference in the lives of others. This can be a powerful source of fulfillment, turning a life transition into personal transformation.
Journal Reflections: In quiet moments, what is calling you? How can you use the question/action combination to further explore these whispers? What might life look and feel like if you heed the call?