"What is your plan?"

Melody Fogarty

We are just days away from the rest of your life. What is your plan? What are the excuses for not achieving your dreams? What are the obstacles in your way? How long are you going to chase the impossible? In short, if you don't think you can get to where you want to go, stop reading and move on with your day.

For 2024, I am going to ask you to move differently, think differently. Let's start with a vision of the life you want in five years. What would you have to do in 2024 to ensure success in five years? 

I know a young woman who was aged out of foster care, had a child in her teens, did not finish high school, and did time in prison. According to most, she would achieve very little. However, she was able to start a successful international business, meet high wealth power brokers, and finish her bachelor's degree while raising an amazing son. The only difference between you and her, is determination and self-confidence.

Would you believe, I know a divorced, mother of three, executive assistant who left corporate America to start a for-profit community center for her children.  Using the connections, she made with the city and state as well as the childcare and athletic industries, my friend diversified her efforts into construction management and real estate development. Why was she able to make these changes? Pure determination and self-confidence.

I know a former substance abuser who at 43 years of age left his addictions behind and became an apprentice in the trades. At 63 years old, he started a successful commercial construction and consulting firm. It was determination and self-confidence that caused him to follow through on his dreams.

So, I ask again, what do you want for your life? What is standing in your way? Clearly, determination and self-confidence are key to your success, however you need a mission, a plan. 

If you want a successful career, then determine what is necessary in that field to be successful versus what credentials you already possess. Whatever you are missing, find a way to acquire the credential and/or experience. If you are missing exposure or experience, look outside of your city, state or the United States for opportunities. Network with friends and family and friends of friends and family. Note: Opportunities posted at the Vice President above are not really available. You will need to network to get the first interview. 

If age is standing in your way, re-evaluate your experience and skills. Use your expertise to teach others, tutor or consult or write. If you are retired, and need some extra funds consider working in catering. Other great jobs would be night auditor at a hotel, concierge, substitute elementary school teacher, associate professor at a community college, instructional designer, editor, or a paid board member.

However, if the issue is money, then focus on those opportunities that value your expertise and experience. This means if you were a C-suite executive, a cashier job at a Big Box retailer will not provide the hourly or annual income you had in the C-suite position. You may be better off re-entering the workforce as a paralegal, consultant or community college professor, board member or executive director for a non-profit. 

The fastest way forwarded is to determine the delta between where you are and where you want to be, then close it.

Happy Holidays!

Melody