Try on New Roles
Interests and goals can change. Reassessing a role that no longer fits may help you decide whether to adjust it or explore a different direction.
THE IDEA
Your interests and goals need not remain the same over the years. Work that suited you a year ago may feel different now, and a goal from five years ago may no longer reflect your priorities.
If a role leaves you persistently frustrated or disengaged, examine what has changed. Consider whether the tasks, conditions, or goal still fit, and whether a small experiment with another role would help you decide what to do next.
When to use it
When considering a career change after years in one field due to waning interest.
When deciding whether to pivot a business that no longer aligns with personal values.
When feeling stuck in a hobby or volunteer position that used to be enjoyable.
When evaluating long-term life goals that no longer reflect current priorities.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Career Pivot After Burnout
A software developer who once loved coding now feels stressed and unmotivated. Instead of forcing themselves to stay, they explore a role in product management or a different industry, finding renewed energy.
Business Direction Change
An entrepreneur who started a bakery with passion now finds it draining. They decide to sell the business and start a catering service, aligning with their current interests.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What aspects of your current role no longer excite you or bring fulfillment?
If you could start a new role tomorrow with no constraints, what would it be and why?
How can you experiment with a new role on a small scale before making a full commitment?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)