This week has been an interesting one for me. We are about to undergo a restructure of our division – and when I look at the proposed structure, I can see the purpose, and value of it. It is the right thing to do for the organisation.
But unlike other restructures we have had in the past, this one has evoked a set of deep emotions in me.
First, a few of our senior leaders are leaving through their own choices. The reason this makes me sad is because these folks have been in my orbit for 8 years. Their departure means that my world is changing. I can clearly see that this is the end of a phase for me – a phase that brought me huge opportunities and growth that I never even imagined.
Second, because this wonderful phase is ending, my gratitude for the opportunities I had is compounded by the nostalgia I feel. Endings make me feel this way.
Third – I am not sure where my future lies. The best part of this is that I have demonstrable evidence that each role I have had has been better than the one before it. And this current role played to my strengths something profound, so can you imagine what could be next for me?
The overall message here is this. Whatever happens over the next few weeks, the end will be what I want it to be. I will self-drive my career – because I am in control of my narrative.
So when this happens to you, my friends, I want you to remember this: this phase of your life is evolving to something new. You are in charge. You decide what you want it to be.
Don’t act as though the organisation is doing this to you, and you are a puppet – helpless and at the mercy of others with power. The power, actually, is yours.
