Finding Your Career Path: A Guide From Someone Who's Been There

Let me tell you something about career paths - they're rarely straight lines. Trust me, I know this firsthand. Starting from my humble beginnings in Holyoke, Minnesota, to my 25-year journey from IT help desk at Pillsbury to senior executive positions, I've learned that finding a career you love is both an art and a science.

The Reality of Career Evolution

You know what question makes most people uncomfortable? "What do you want to do for the rest of your life?" Here's the truth - you don't have to have it all figured out right now. Whether you're fresh out of college (maybe still living with mom and dad - no judgment here!) or contemplating a mid-career switch like I did when I founded CoreTactic, the journey to finding your perfect career path is exactly that - a journey. 

After working with over 2,500 clients and experiencing my own career transitions, I've learned that the most fulfilling careers often come from unexpected places. Take my story - who would have thought that an unexpected layoff in July 2023 would lead me to create a comprehensive coaching ecosystem that's now helping others transform their professional lives? 

Why Finding Your Career Sweet Spot Matters

Let's get real for a moment. The average person spends more than 90,000 hours of their life working. That's a lot of time to be miserable if you're in the wrong job! Through my years of executive leadership and coaching, I've noticed three crucial things that happen when you find work you truly love:

1. You'll Actually Want to Get Out of Bed in the Morning

It's not just about the paycheck (though that matters - I'm practical, after all). When you're doing work that aligns with your interests and values, you bring your whole self to the table. I see this transformation in my clients all the time - that spark when they finally find their professional sweet spot.

2. Your Productivity Will Skyrocket

Remember my early days at the Pillsbury help desk? I was fascinated by technology and its potential to transform lives - a passion I inherited from my father, Vernon, who worked with electrical systems in the Navy. When you're genuinely interested in your work, excellence becomes a natural byproduct, not a chore.

3. Long-Term Success Becomes More Attainable 

Success isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder (though that's perfectly fine if it's your goal). It's about building a career that energizes rather than drains you. In my experience working with countless professionals, those who align their work with their genuine interests tend to have more sustainable, fulfilling career trajectories.

My Practical Guide to Finding Your Path

Drawing from both my personal journey and my experience coaching others, here's what I recommend:

Start With Honest Self-Reflection

Take it from someone who's reinvented himself - understanding yourself is crucial. Ask yourself:

• What energizes you? (For me, it was always technology and helping others grow)

• What problems do you naturally gravitate toward solving?

• What would you do even if you weren't getting paid?

Embrace the Learning Curve

Whether you're starting your first job or making a mid-career pivot like I did, remember that every new beginning comes with its learning curve. When I transitioned from corporate IT to founding CoreTactic, I had to learn entirely new skills. It was challenging, but incredibly rewarding. 

Build Your Support Network

You don't have to figure this out alone. I'm fortunate to work alongside my husband Travis and live with my 98-year-old dad, who continue to inspire and support me. Your network might look different, but having people who believe in you makes all the difference. 

Stay Curious and Keep Learning

The business world is constantly evolving. Whether it's taking new courses, reading industry publications, or connecting with peers, continuous learning is non-negotiable. This mindset has served me well throughout my career, from my early days at Pillsbury to my current role helping others navigate their career transitions. 

When You're Feeling Lost

Here's something I often tell my clients - feeling uncertain about your career path doesn't mean you're failing. It means you're growing. When I was laid off, I could have seen it as a setback. Instead, it became the catalyst for creating something even more meaningful with CoreTactic.

If you're struggling to identify your path, try this exercise I use with my coaching clients:

• Write down what you loved doing as a child (before anyone told you what you "should" do)

• List your proudest accomplishments (both personal and professional)

• Identify patterns in what others consistently praise you for

The Next Step Is Yours

Finding a career you love isn't about making one perfect choice - it's about taking intentional steps toward work that fulfills you. Whether you're just starting out or considering a change, remember that it's never too late to pivot toward something more meaningful.

From my small-town Minnesota roots to building a coaching practice that's transformed thousands of lives, I've learned that the most rewarding careers often come from following your authentic interests while staying open to unexpected opportunities.

Need help figuring out your next move? That's exactly why I created CoreTactic. Sometimes, having someone in your corner who's been there can make all the difference. Whether you're looking for one-on-one coaching, career strategy sessions, or just need someone to help you see your potential clearly, remember - you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

The path to a fulfilling career might not be straight, but it's always worth the journey. Trust me, I've been there.