I’m Not Just Looking For A Job

My Car Is Broken

Back in the late 90’s I was traveling with friends in Germany. We decided, on a whim, to drive to London for New Year’s Eve, or at least that was the plan. Speeding along the Autobahn somewhere near the Netherlands border, our car broke down. I vividly remember yelling into the roadside emergency speaker, “Mein Auto ist kaputt.” For those who can’t figure out this German phrase, it means “My auto is broken.” I’m pretty sure we Americans took turns saying the phrase, because when would one ever get the chance to yell this on the Autobahn again? Also, “exit” in German is “Ausfahrt,” so it was our duty to read every one of those signs aloud and giggle like children.

As I reflect on what I’m doing with my career, the image of our foiled Autobahn trip comes to mind. I was barreling down the highway of life with all the momentum of a sports car driver when “Mein Auto” went “kaputt.” I had to pull off the side of the road and reevaluate my journey. Not only do I have the map out plotting a new course, I also have to fix the car, and the car is me. I needed a tune-up and updated programming. I needed to find and remove the unknown rattle and realign the tires. There were too many “check engine” lights on to go right back to 100 mph.

So, as I’m evaluating options for my next career move, I am not just looking for a job. I am whole-heartedly seizing this gift of time, this “Ausfahrt,” to upgrade my internal GPS and fix the things that had fallen between the seats. I will no longer have to wonder where the smell is coming from, I may find last year’s missing mitten, and all four low tire pressure lights will be off. In summary, I shall hit the road in better shape than I left it.

Side Trip: Finding My Superpowers!

As part of my tune-up and growth this year, I joined an executive women’s networking group called Chief. We did an exercise last week called Superpowers. We each shared a story of pride, something we made happen in our lives that makes us proud. As we shared, our fellow members noted our superpowers throughout the story. It helped to see our own superpowers so we can build on them, especially as it relates to our careers, but it was as important to share with others what we see in them. It was interesting to see how different superpowers are complementary. It made me excited to work with a team again and do this same exercise, either to reinforce the strengths of the team or look to build on them. It could also be a good exercise with a group of friends or as a family. Everyone gets to see others’ perceptions of their awesomeness, and you may realize you had no idea how strong and wonderful these people truly are.

Finding the right job is about matching things up. Knowing your superpowers, what you are good at and what makes you stand out, gives great insight to evaluating new career opportunities. Why not prioritize those opportunities that match up with your superpowers?! Seems like a winning strategy to me. I have further clarity this week on my strengths, which also gives direction on what brings me joy. This information adds to how I am shaping the things I’m currently evaluating. I need more of this, less of that and always, I need more cowbell.

Mein Auto Ist Better Than Before

Good things are ahead, and when I pull out of the driveway soon, my metaphorical auto will be better than before. I don’t just want to find a great job. I want to show up to my next role as the Batmobile in a parking lot of rental cars. I’m looking forward to packing my superpowers and heading out the door.