I think I've figured out a few things about my career.
No, really.
It's been over two years since I was laid off and I'm now able to articulate just why the people I mentor have become as valuable to me as they say I am to them. I do enjoy what I'm doing and I've been able to shape it to my taste. Still, for me, my brand (coach, agent, teacher, trainer, manager) is something that fits in-between or acts as a bridge from one life stage to another in people's careers.
I can tick off names of former NPR interns and/or one-time Next Generation Radio students who now have good jobs, good personal relationships and yet remain very restless. My optimism comes from what they tell me about their lives. These conversations offer helpful practice for when I talk to those who are far less fortunate in their careers. Employees who are doing well need to be in the room with those not doing so well. I jokingly refer to myself as doing the work of the "UN General Secretary" at times; a mix of diplomacy, a high degree of cultural understanding with an ability to decide the shape of the negotiating table and getting some serious work done.
Everyone should have a mentor in some way. It doesn't always have to be about work. But, if you are in the market for someone to assist you on your career path, look for someone who doesn't fit an extremely specific set of criteria. And, be willing to walk away from a mentor-mentee relationship if your chosen mentor hasn't challenged you to think-- not necessarily believe or change, as ultimately, any change or new belief system is on you. But your mentor should serve as a catalyst for thoughtful analysis of what you want out of a career.
And, after being mentored for several years, become a mentor to someone else. The in-between spaces could use you.
*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog
