The Soul of a Career

Upon reflecting on my career so far, I've asked myself: What is it truly about? Is it the blur of action items, endless meetings, and PowerPoint slides? I've forgotten most of what I've done, memorable as it once was, inconsequential as it seems now.

Could the essence of my career truly be about the shared smiles with colleagues, the heart-to-hearts over coffee (or Zoom), or even the playful gossip during ongoing meetings? Delving deeper, I realise it's not just the big projects or the public recognitions that define our work lives. It's the people, the shared moments of joy, the passionate discussions, and even the occasional disagreements that add colour and depth to this adventure we label as "work".

People Over Projects

Every project comes to an end, each task finds completion. We may leave the company, but the memories forged with colleagues, the stories shared while awaiting meetings, and those impromptu bits of wisdom persist. These are the anchors in the shifting sands of our professional journey, even as faces come and go around us.

Moments that Resonate

It feels great to finish a project or earn praise for a job well done. But, many years down the line, it's not the late nights at the keyboard I'll recall, nor the hours spent analysing spreadsheets. Instead, it's that palpable sense of togetherness, the shared pursuit of a common goal, and the camaraderie with others equally invested in successes which, in hindsight, was ephemeral. Those are the emotions lingering on, not project outcomes or accolades.

Every Email, A Personal Tale

In our pursuit of success, we often find ourselves ensnared in a maze of tasks and targets. Yet, delve beneath the surface, and the true essence of a career emerges – it's the web of human connections. It's the manager who saw potential in you when self-doubt clouded your vision, the teammate who remained steadfast in turbulent times, and the myriad others who influenced your journey in their distinctive ways. Every name on that email distribution list represents a living, breathing individual you've connected with – some more closely than others. Amidst the routine, the fragility of these ties becomes evident, leaving us uncertain of their longevity.

So, what is a career? It is a collection of moments, shared by people who have graced us with their professionalism and abilities - some for years, months, or just weeks, but have made their impact on our professional and even personal lives with their warmth, understanding, and authenticity. Some we cling to, but most will end up disappearing like shooting stars that briefly lit up our world, and then vanished into the darkness, leaving only memories and traces of their brilliance.