I was reminded recently about Alice’s conversation with the Cheshire Cat in Louis Carroll’s tail of Alice in Wonderland. Â In the story Alice comes to a fork in the road, in a quandary about which direction to take she requests the help of the Cheshire Cat. In short, she was without a plan.
This conversation can be a metaphor for career management. Â If you don’t have a career or life goal it doesn’t matter much what you do. Â You choose a job because it pays the bills and your co-workers aren’t too distasteful. Â You move through your career without a plan or direction. Â This is not the best place in life.
If all you want is a job, jobs are plentiful. Â However, if you want a career, one that is fulfilling and meaningful you have to decide what that looks like and pursue it relentlessly. Â Make the right connections, attend the right groups, publish so you become a thought leader. Â Every day do something that brings you closer to your goal.
Where are you going? Â Answering this question is important. Â If the answer is anywhere, you’re probably already there.
Take this opportunity to seize control of your future and make decisions that will give your career a clear direction and your life meaning.