Here is how to thrive each time. 

Life is a journey.

It is filled with twists and turns, detours, roundabouts, and change.

Lots of change.

Along this path, the experiences we have; the changes, obstacles, wins and losses all shape who we are and what we value. Which in turn significantly impacts our work or career choices, sometimes leading us to question if we're on the right path.

So, let’s explore how the living of life can change your values and discuss three actionable steps to help you align your work with your current life stage. 

The Intersection of Life Transitions and Values

Life transitions come in various forms, including graduation, marriage, parenthood, divorce, retirement, and personal growth experiences. Each of these transitions has the potential to reshape your values, priorities, and perspectives. And then shape your desires and wants in the area of work and career.

Here's how these changes can impact your career choices:

1. The end of education and the beginning of work.

After completing your education no matter what age this is at (15, 18 or 22) and entering the workforce, your values might be strongly influenced by the desire for financial stability, career advancement, and professional growth. At this time, you may prioritise job security, salary, and the opportunities available to progress and grow. You may choose a job that offers recognition and be ready to work hard and work long.

Or you may also take a different route and want to explore lots of different jobs before choosing you professional path. This early work period of life is really driven by discovery and beginning to understand who you are and who you want to be relative to the world of work.

2. Parenthood and Family Life

 Becoming a parent can be a profound life transition.

Suddenly you have a whole new world of responsibilities that exist outside of yourself. There is a new dance to learn around balancing your needs, your childs needs and your families needs. Outside of this you may start to feel some conflict as you learn who you are as a parent and feel different shifts and have realisations that may surprise you.

For some people work will become less about desire and fulfilment and more about practicality and reward. For others it may highlight a deep desire to still have some sense of self and a want to achieve but with flexibility.

Often the transition to parenthood is iced in newness and most surprising of all it is the newness in who you are becoming that is sometimes the hardest realisation especially when you are time poor and tired.

During this transition be kind, enquire within, listen.

It is only in the resistance of what is that we struggle. So, allow yourself to readjust the sails, to meet yourself as you meet your new child and to get to know yourself again. And then ponder what matters to you (and what matters to you not what you think should matter), what works for your family and maybe what you might need to let go of.

 This time will be filled with joy of discovery and perhaps grief as you outgrow older versions of yourself and embrace the change to who you are today.

3. Midlife Crisis and Self-Discovery

Midlife often brings introspection and a re-evaluation of one's life choices.

Often referred to as a “midlife crisis,” this period of life is simply another transition of discovery where we get comfortable in who we are but maybe not where we are and so we may begin to wonder….

People will often question their career path, their hobbies, their health, and friends and even relationships. They seek out more meaning and fulfilment. As they explore and live life, they learn to understand themselves and this is when values like personal growth, purpose, and work satisfaction can become central.

This is a time in life when there is a realisation of worth and deservingness. It is now that people trade in what is not working and seek out change for themselves.

4. Retirement and Golden Years

Retirement marks a significant life transition where your values may shift towards leisure, relaxation, and pursuing personal passions. Many retirees use this time to explore new hobbies or engage in charitable activities, aligning their post-retirement pursuits with their evolving values and a life that is fulfilling and joyful.

5. Divorce or Relationship Changes

 Relationship transitions, like divorce or separation, are an invitation to re-evaluate.

Personally, professionally, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is at these often “crisis points” in life that we are made to stop. We are forced to look back over the past and really understand what happened to get us here. Then we are tasked with taking stock of where we want to go in the future.

In any challenge or break down there is a stop point. A T-section in the path that provides us with turning in the road and a chance to redirect.

Who you are before and after this transition will not be the same, however it is in this transition that you hold true freedom to re-establish, to re-direct and to align to a new and peaceful version of you.

Right now, is the perfect time to spend some time getting to know you, even if that is for only 10 minutes a day. Just start with asking yourself everyday one question and then listen for the answer.

“Who am I, what do I value in my life, what is the right next step for me?”

Aligning Your Work with Your Life Stage

Now that we understand how life transitions can change your values and impact your career, let's explore three actionable steps to help you align your work with your current life stage:

1. Self-Reflection and Values Assessment

Before making any career decisions, take the time to reflect on your current values and priorities. What matters most to you at this stage of your life? Consider the following questions:

- What are your core values?

- How have recent life transitions affected your values?

- What aspects of your current job or career align with your values, and which ones do not?

Engaging in self-assessment can provide clarity on the direction you want to take. For example, if you've recently become a parent and value work-life balance, you might seek out roles or employers that offer flexible schedules or remote work options.

2. Skill Development and Education

Once you've identified your evolving values and priorities, assess whether your current skills and qualifications align with your desired career path. In some cases, you may need to acquire new skills or education to pursue a different career that better suits your life stage.

Investing in lifelong learning, attending workshops, enrolling in courses, or seeking mentorship can help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to transition into a more suitable career. For instance, if you're experiencing a midlife career shift towards a more purpose-driven profession, additional training or education may be required to make that transition.

3. Networking and Seeking Guidance

Networking and seeking guidance from mentors or career advisors can be invaluable during a career transition. Connect with people who have experienced similar life transitions or have successfully aligned their work with their evolving values. They can offer insights, advice, and support as you navigate your own journey.

Additionally, join professional organisations, attend industry events, and participate in online communities related to your desired career. Building a strong professional network can open doors to opportunities that align with your values and life stage.

Life is a series of transitions, each with the potential to reshape your values and priorities. These changes can significantly impact your work or career choices. However, by taking proactive steps, such as self-reflection, skill development, and networking, you can align your work with your current life stage.

Embracing these actions will not only lead to greater work satisfaction but also help you find fulfilment and purpose in your daily life as you continue to evolve, stretch and grow.