Mark Girton’s Post

When I was working in the corporate world my career bingo card would’ve looked something like this... “I can stick this out for another year” “It’s not important for me to enjoy what I do” “The money’s great so I should be more grateful” “I don’t need to get fulfillment in my day to day work” “I’m the problem, I need to find a way to just get on with it” “What more could I possibly want? I need to realign my expectations” “If I can just find a way to make this career path work I’ll eventually be fulfilled” I was truly stuck In a cycle of knowing something wasn’t right but not ever backing myself enough to make a genuine change I was scared of the unknown So I stayed exactly where I was Until my body had had enough and forced me to take action through burning out So, I took stock and prioritised myself for the first time A huge part of that was reaching out to a coach to work alongside me I was very skeptical that I could actually be helped I was ashamed of not having all of this figured out yet And that shame was perpetuated by being in a fixed mindset of only seeing barriers to change rather than opportunities to grow 🌿 Taking the time to get to know myself in a career context has changed my bingo card to look more like this “I’m genuinely aligned to the work I’m doing” “I get to live in line with my true passion of supporting others” “I can cope much better with taking action in the presence of fear” “Ownership is really important to me, so building a business makes sense” “I have hobbies and interests outside of work which really helps with balance” “I have a tendency to overwork so I'm often evaluating how I spend my time” “I’m open to the idea that I’ll be ever-evolving and changing, which is scary but necessary” My career today is so far from perfect In fact I’m no longer in pursuit of perfection (disclaimer: it doesn’t exist) I'm now so content with waking up every day knowing that ✅ I add value to peoples lives on the daily in way that leaves me feeling fulfilled and that my efforts are much more aligned to who I am 🚀 #careerchange #careerhacks #careermoves

I was making 6 figures in my dream career…and drinking myself to sleep That’s how I knew it was time to change careers. (well, one of the reasons) My career wasn’t just my passion—it was my identity. My career was so important to me that I chose not to have a family Because I didn’t want anything to interfere with my career. For years I ignored the signs that I needed to change careers Even when it became painfully obvious, I was in denial. It felt like one of those moments where you have to tell a friend, “Hey, your girlfriend’s cheating on you,” and they’re like, “No way, she’d never do that.” That’s how it was for me —completely blind to the reality staring me in the face. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗜 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗱. My job never felt like work. It was my passion….until the love died, and it was a grind. 𝗠𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀. It was weird. I was struggling in every aspect of my job- even stuff that came naturally to me, like creativity. 𝗜 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. I’d awaken and lie there thinking about the way things used to be when I was happy. 𝗜 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲. I drank enough to where it started affecting my sleep. I’d wake up in the middle of the night with my heart racing. (not fun) 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗶𝘅 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀? 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. I had to look hard in the mirror and accept any and all ugly truths about myself. 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴. I wrote out 5 things I loved and wanted in my career Then, took steps to find a career with those things. 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀. I had to learn that not every step or goal needs to be Mt. Everest sized. Small wins add up. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲. One of the first people who I ever asked for help was a sponsor in an AA meeting. You can’t ignore the signs forever. Believe me, I tried. Starting felt impossible. But once I faced them head-on, I found a new path that not only felt right—it reignited my sense of purpose. If you’re in the same spot, take that first step. Oh, and remember, you deserve to get everything you want. This is me in the Maldives in 2008. Looking happy, but all of the signs described above were there. What are some signs you ignored when you were unhappy in your career or life?

"I love that journey for you!" My coworkers and I say this tongue-in-cheek all the time... Often to people whose journey we really don't love. But genuinely, one of the most fun parts of my job is hearing students and alums talk about their "journey" from one perspective to a new, usually more nuanced one. Maybe they start with a singular focus on one aspect of the jobs and companies they're looking at (location, money, title, etc.)... And then through their conversations and self-reflection realize the opportunities they're actually getting excited about are the holistically good ones, rather than just fantastic in one area. Or maybe they're the opposite and start with a really broad "focus" (if you can call it that) - "I'm open to anything!"... But then learn through the process what they do and don't want and become a lot more targeted and effective. Or maybe they're really stressed about a decision between a job that feels right to them vs. a job that seems like the objectively better choice to other people... But then come to realize that it's THEIR values and priorities that matter, not everyone else's, and end up making the right choice for them despite raised eyebrows from other people. Or maybe they start with the numbers game and shotgun approach, just submitting as many applications to random things as possible, and being disappointed over and over again... And then decide to take a more relational and strategic angle, building genuine relationships with and learning from awesome people and finding opportunities that really make sense for them. Regardless of what it is, I love seeing growth and change in the journey. It's wise to let yourself sit back and reevaluate sometimes. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But if you realize in this job hunt process that you're hating your life, not feeling excited about the opportunities you're finding, and/or not getting opportunities at all... Let the process (and your results...or lack thereof...) mold and change you, your priorities, your perspective, and your tactics. Learn from every step, and do something new with the learning when needed. Never caving or settling - but always growing and developing. I'll love that journey for you. #careerdevelopment #jobhunt #journey

🚀 Reflecting on Career Exploration and change! 🌟 A few months ago, I shared the news of my decision to step away from a job I'd dedicated over 4 years to try something new. The journey since then has been both exciting but also naturally challenging at times. 💼✨ Now I am back in full-time employment, I have since reflected on my career break and wanted to share some insights and tips for those who are considering or going through a similar transition: 1.  🕰️ Take the Time You Need: It is important to take some time for self-reflection, and listen to what your body and mind need. This is an essential part of your ongoing personal growth journey.   2.  👋Connect with Others: If this is with people you have in your network (including family and friends), those who work in a company or sector you are interested in, or others who are going through something similar. This can be a lonely period at times and their support is invaluable.   3.  ✍️ Learn from others as part of your discovery phase: Reach out to people and hear their first-hand experiences, journeys, and learnings that can be insightful in helping you decide and shape what you do next. You are sure to, at a minimum, learn something new. They may also be able to support you by connecting you to someone else.   4.  🎯Embrace each Step: Understand that the next role you take may not be a drastic change and a career change requires steps, but every step contributes to growth and your journey of discovery.   5.  🌍 Explore Life beyond Work: Reflect on personal values and interests - be it travel, music, sports, or community involvement. This helped me as a source of inspiration outside of the traditional work setting.   6.  🗓️ Have a Structured Approach: Maintain a structure to your week, your job discovery, and search. For me, it has been a game-changer as it added purpose and direction to the transition.   7.  🌈 Patience and Enjoyment: Acknowledgement of the ebb and flow of good days and challenging days is part of the process. Patience and finding joy in the journey are key. If you're navigating or considering a career change, I'm happy for anyone to reach out and chat. This was a transformative period for me where I've learned so much. I am now in a position where I have a plan and a new direction. Here's to embracing change and new beginnings! 🌟 And a BIG thank you to those who gave me their time and supported me throughout the process. #CareerChange #Reflections #NewJourney #ProfessionalGrowth #Youarenotalone

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 —𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁? Catching up with friends this weekend, our conversation turned to work. What really struck me was how we talked about our jobs in deeply relational terms: 😕 I’m feeling stuck 😕 It’s the same, but I’ve changed 😕 I’m giving it everything I’ve got, but never getting what I need It made me notice that, just like any other relationship, our careers need attention, trust, effort and understanding to thrive. So, this Sunday I’m thinking about the most common work “relationship” strains I see: 1️⃣ Losing Yourself: When the job that once fitted like a glove now feels like it isn’t in tune with who you are or what you need. 2️⃣ Growing Apart: When your role, company or industry has shifted so much that it’s hard to recognise your place in it, let alone feel like what you bring is valued. 3️⃣ Constantly Overextended: When the demands of work leave you feeling spread so thin you’re not achieving your best - all of the time. 4️⃣ The Almost Achiever: When you’re consistently close to advancing but can’t seem to break through to that elevation you want. And don’t understand why not. 5️⃣ Unseen Contributor: When you’re giving everything, but feel invisible because no one is noticing or appreciating your considerable effort. 𝗜𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀, 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. But in this relationship between work-life, we let trust wobble - especially if we’re invested but unclear or under-appreciated. It seems to me that understanding this erosion of trust could be the key to stop overthinking about what’s “off” about work at weekends and combat career stagnation. From years of coaching, I’ve seen that discovering our natural strengths isn’t just an interesting exercise. It’s a foundation for career redesign. 🌿 Thought-Starter for the Week Ahead Ask for specific, actionable feedback this week. Then use next Sunday to reflect: 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸? If the talents that light you up aren’t valued, maybe it’s time to ask if your role supports your potential. Not sure? Watch these little birds tentatively approach an open hand, unsure if it’s safe, but wanting what’s there. If you feel uncertain, asking for specific feedback might feel daunting, but it can also be: 🎯 the first step toward repairing eroded trust in your relationship with work,  🎯 reigniting connectedness with what you do,  🎯 feeling visible and valued again. Just don’t settle for generic praise like, “Good meeting.“ “The way you navigated that challenge was impressive,” tells you more about what matters! ♻️ Share to help someone in your network! 🔔 Follow me for more reflections on purposeful leadership and career redesign. #CareerRedesign #PurposefulLeadership #StrengthsOverFlaws Video credit: YouTube @OTV News English

10 signs that it might be time to let go of the myth of the perfect career path (and finally decide what you want and who you want to be): 1. You cling to an old version of your current career trajectory because it’s what you said you wanted in the past, but you’re afraid to admit you might have changed your mind. 2. You worry that changing paths would mean all the time and effort you’ve invested so far would be wasted, making it hard to let go. 3. You just hit another big work milestone and you don’t even feel HALF as excited or fulfilled as you thought you would. 4. You struggle to see how your daily tasks and to-dos connect to the bigger picture of what truly matters to you. 5. You often think about what others will say if you choose to go in a different direction, worrying they’ll see you as indecisive or ungrateful. 6. You have an idea of another career path you’ve always been curious about, but you’re afraid to take the leap. 7. You’re always worried about how unlocking a certain achievement will look to someone else, instead of asking yourself if it even aligns with what you truly want. 8. You feel a twinge of jealousy towards your friends or coworkers who have recently pursued an alternative career path or opportunity. 9. You recently experienced a major life transition like a divorce, cross-country move, or the loss of a loved one that’s making you question everything you’ve ever thought about your professional legacy and career path. 10. You often question where things went wrong—which wrong step you took, which networking event you missed out on—that caused you to end up here, unhappy and unfulfilled with your personal AND professional life. Which one feels the most like you this week?

Raise your hand if you ever felt like that next promotion would fix your struggles 🙋♀️. Relying solely on your next achievement for job satisfaction is playing with fire. It is a trap that is easy to fall into over and over… 😮💨 Happiness is right there with the next raise. 😮💨 Confidence is waiting for me in that next promotion. 😮💨 I’ll be fully recharged after my week off. Nope 👎 I fell into that cycle for the first decade of my career until it became undeniable that it wasn’t working anymore. I was miserable, insecure and anxious more often than not . And even after accomplishing my biggest goals none of that changed. You don’t need to wait as long as I did and you do NOT need to change careers to disrupt the pattern of frustration, unfulfillment and burnout. ✨ Relief and change starts by getting curious and reconnecting to yourself ✨ 🤔 What are your values and is your job turning you towards or away from them? 🤔 What are you working towards everyday? Is it just the next achievement or something bigger? 🤔 What do you need most from your job to feel excited and appreciated? Are you getting it? ✨ That’s just the beginning ✨ The answers to your problems are not with somebody else, you have to find them out for yourself with yourself (cheesy, I know, but true, and I see it time and time again). So don’t go expecting that next achievement to fix your unfulfilment, do the work instead and empower yourself to control your career circumstances instead of them controlling you.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. -Joseph Campbell I came across this quote in sabbatical phase 1️⃣, EXPLORE, and it truly encapsulates the journey that has been phase 2️⃣, REALIGN. I did not know what would come from answering 5️⃣0️⃣➕ questions & I see now it’s a combination of penning to paper my strengths & fully embracing who I am today. Several themes emerged. One significant through line is the joy I felt when I was truly connected to the people I worked with, my surroundings, & facilitating connections. One❓I asked: What is the worst case scenario for my next career move? Here’s part of my response, “I don’t follow my gut or trust my instinct on what it is I want to do next.” Look, there are no guarantees & I’m totally OK with this. This isn’t an all or nothing path. This is the adventure of life. I’m not looking to recreate the past. I’ve evolved as an individual. REALIGN confirmed this. I’m excited to see where this game of life takes me! 🕹🎮 3️⃣ WHAT’S NEXT? To be continued. Drop your favorite emoji(s) 💛🐶 in the comments ⬇️ & I’ll be happy to share a workbook with you of the 5️⃣0️⃣➕ questions I asked myself. 🥂

In the hustle and bustle of our professional lives, it's not uncommon to hear voices of discontentment echoing through the corridors of offices and virtual meeting rooms. Some find themselves locked in a battle between their passions and the practicalities of their chosen careers. It's a dilemma that often leads to one question: Should I stay or should I go? To those grappling with this internal conflict, I offer a gentle reminder: While it's crucial to find fulfillment and purpose in your work, it's equally important to acknowledge and respect the opportunities your current job affords you. Yes, it's true that not every job aligns perfectly with our passions or long-term career goals. There may be days when you feel like a square peg in a round hole, questioning your choices and yearning for something more. And that's okay. It's a natural part of the journey toward self-discovery and professional fulfillment. However, it's essential to recognize the value that your current job brings to your life. Beyond the paycheck that sustains you financially, it provides stability, security, and a platform for growth. It offers you the chance to develop new skills, expand your network, and gain valuable experience that can pave the way for future opportunities. Even if your job doesn't ignite the fire of passion within you, it deserves your respect. It's a testament to your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to your responsibilities. It's a stepping stone on your career path, guiding you toward your ultimate destination, even if the path may twist and turn along the way. So, before you hastily trade your current job for greener pastures, pause for a moment of reflection. Consider the lessons you've learned, the relationships you've built, and the progress you've made. Acknowledge the role your job plays in supporting your livelihood and enabling you to pursue your passions outside of work. Of course, if your job consistently leaves you feeling unfulfilled and disconnected, it may be time to explore other options. But do so with gratitude and grace, recognizing that every opportunity, even those that don't align perfectly with our dreams, serves a purpose in shaping our journey. As you navigate the intricate dance between passion and pragmatism, remember to honor the work that sustains you, even if it's not your ultimate calling. For in doing so, you cultivate a spirit of gratitude and resilience that will serve you well, no matter where your career path may lead.🌟 #staypositive #worksmart #growthmindset #linkedin

😕 Feeling stuck in your career but scared to take the leap? Let’s talk! If you are stuck in a job that drains you yet scared to take the leap into something new—you’re not alone. 🤝 I’ve met countless people who feel exactly this way, trapped in a cycle of uncertainty. They know they want something different, something better, but the fear of failure or “what if” keeps them frozen. But here’s the truth: staying stuck isn’t safer—it’s simply keeping you away from the career you deserve. 🤷♀️ ✨ Let me share Priya’s story. 💼 Priya spent 15 years in a corporate role, feeling burned out and disconnected. She told me, “What if I fail? What if I regret it?” But deep down, she knew she wanted more—purpose, passion, and fulfillment. Together, we changed her story by working through it step by step: 1️⃣ Uncovering her core strengths and values: Through career assessments, we identified what energized her and what she valued most in her work environment. 💡 2️⃣ Clarifying her vision: We visualized her ideal career and broke down what success meant to her—not by societal standards but by her personal aspirations. 🌟 3️⃣ Exploring career options: Together, we mapped out potential roles where her skills and passions could align. 🗺️ 4️⃣ Addressing fears: We acknowledged her fears and reframed them as opportunities for growth. For every “what if,” we identified actionable solutions. 💪 5️⃣ Building a roadmap: Priya didn’t jump blindly. We created a step-by-step plan that included learning new skills, networking, and setting milestones to track her progress. 📈 6️⃣ Enhancing her profile: We revamped her resume & LinkedIn profile highlighting transferable skills in alignment with her new career direction. 📝 7️⃣ Preparing for interviews: Through mock sessions, Priya built the confidence to communicate her story authentically and persuasively. 🎤 🚀 The result? Priya transitioned into a role in learning and development, a field she was passionate about but had always considered “out of reach.” 🌈 Today, she’s thriving, energized, and fulfilled—and she looks back at her fear as a bridge, not a barrier. Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to control you. Instead of focusing on the unknown, focus on what’s possible. Every great career leap starts with a single, intentional step. 🌱 ⚡Take one small step today—a step toward clarity, growth, and reinvention. 💬 What’s one step you can take today toward the career you want? Comment below or send me a message—I’d love to help you turn your fear into action and get unstuck. #careerreinvention #stucktothriving #taketheleap #careerclarity #careerdirection #careeryouniverse #careercounseling #guidedsuccess