What Do You Want?!

I'm sensing a trend that may really harm millennials entering the workforce. No one seems to have a conceptualization of their long-term goals. We are lacking vision when our potential employers are demanding it.

The recession taught us one important thing- that we can't be too sure of ourselves. Many of us “did everything right”-- we made good grades, graduated from college, and still stumbled into a job market that didn't want us. Those of us who had it hardest learned very quickly to stop being picky. Personally, I had to beg for a job at a coffee shop in order to keep my bills paid. Minimum wage doughnut slinging is not what dreams are made of, unless you're into that sort of thing.

There is a fascinating mental default that young adults tend to share. In studies that directed twenty-somebodies to play games that force them to choose between accruing wealth or maintaining options, overwhelmingly they choose to maintain options (Check out the article here). This is a BIG problem when you are carving out your career path. Imagine paving one road that must lead directly to every home in a city. It can't be done. This cannot be done in your life, either.

As I have pursued a job, I have constantly been faced with questions about my goals. It's the first question you will be asked in any job interview- why do you want to work here? Tell me which is a better answer: 1. “I need money to make rent and your organization seems to have pretty low standards.” Or 2. “I have dedicated my educational and work life to engaging youth to get involved in their communities, and this position will allow me to utilize this knowledge and further my goal of ultimately opening a nonprofit dedicated to youth civic leadership.”

I get that you may not have a viable version of answer #2 on hand, but don't let that stop you. We really can solve this articulation problem! Truthfully, it's easy if you're willing to take some time to reflect and ponder. Here is how I have managed to form my vision:

Knowing I am worth doing something I love. The job market may not agree right away, but you need to be in a position to thrive, and you won't be until you are doing what you love.

Saying Yes! I spent a lot of time doing things that scared me. Since high school, my philosophy has been never to pass on an opportunity. I am a little more discriminating than I used to be, but that comes with increased focus and commitments. Face fear until you are fearless!

Being mindful of tasks that energize me. You probably know by now how to figure out whether you are introverted or extroverted-- do you become energized from being by yourself or with others? Bring this thinking into the various tasks you perform throughout the day. For example, I hate managing spreadsheets! But I get a ton of energy from building educational curricula because I like thinking about the learning process. Study yourself!

Thinking about how I define success. This is so important! Success is not just determined by work. Work is only 1/3 of your life. Think about the lifestyle you want and construct a life plan before you build out a career plan.

Getting strategic. Think of a big, grand movement or phenomenon that you want to be a part of, and narrow from there based on your skills and interests. Talk to people who work in relevant sectors, ask tough questions, and know that the most important thing you will bring to a movement is your passion.

And then, articulate it! Let it evolve and grow, but keep it relevant and visible. This is your life's mission statement!