There are many important elements in a play.
The setting.
The cast.
The costumes.
The props.
The storyline.
The acts.
This morning, I started thinking about how this structure parallels career considerations.
The Considerations
Setting – The setting describes the type of workplace that would suit us best. We can ask questions like: What is the best setting for our work? In a bustling city or a small town? Do we want to work in an office, at home, or a blend? Is the environment formal or laid back?
Cast – The cast helps us understand the qualities of the people we would like to work with. Questions like: Do they challenge each other or drive for alignment? Are they organized or adaptive in their processes and workflows? What hours do they prefer to work? Are they scientists or philosophers?
Costumes – The costumes consider what we want to wear in our work settings. Questions like: Are suits or shorts or something in between right for us? Does our style align with the setting and cast we describe? Do we want moments that have a different costume than the day to day?
Props – The props represent the continuous learning we bring along on our career journey. What degree best matches the work we want to do? What professional certificates or certifications would expand our role? Are there webinars, podcasts, or specialty courses that could push us in new directions?
Storyline – The storyline develops over the years. We can ask questions like: What are the qualities that make us unique no matter what role we take on? How do we approach the work that is different? Is there a common thread in the type of work or company that we consistently seek?
Acts – The acts are moments when significant career changes occur. Some of us may have many acts in our play while others have just one or two. Questions for acts include: What defined this phase of my career? How will the next act be different from the last? What defines this moment as an act?
Your Turn
Have you ever considered your career in the structure of a play?
Does this structure cause you to think about some elements of your career differently?
Which element of your career “play” feels most out of alignment or least understood?