Career Role Exploration

“I don’t know what I want to do with my career…” Let’s just go ahead and normalize this. Because more people are here than you think. And not just once, sometimes multiple times throughout their lives. (I know I’ve been here. More than once.) But the part we don’t talk about enough? The HOW. → How do you figure out what you actually want? → What fits? → What makes sense for your life now? So here’s what I’ve learned from being that person and helping other people work through this same exact thing: 1. Stop trying to force yourself to pick a job title. - Scrolling job boards hoping something clicks? - That usually leads to frustration. - Truth is, most of us don’t even know how to name what we’re looking for. Start by asking: → What kinds of problems do I enjoy solving? → What work has felt most like me, even if the title didn’t reflect it? → What do people always ask me for help with? 2. Look at the why behind your past roles (and other parts of your life). → What were you brought in to do? → What made you feel useful or alive? → What did you outgrow, and what did that teach you? Your career has patterns. You just haven’t been taught how to read them yet. 3. Use this filter: Pay. Power. Peace. → Can you live off it? → Do your strengths actually matter here? → Can you breathe? If it doesn’t hit at least 2 of the 3, it’s probably not it. 4. Don’t just run to quit your job, run small experiments. You don’t need to burn it all down. You need data. → Try a course. → Join a project outside your usual lane. → Ask someone, “What do you actually do in your role?” Clarity is built in motion—not in your head. 5. Keep a “Could-Be-Me” list. Every time something lights you up, write it down. Then ask: → Why does this resonate? → What strengths do I already have? → What would I need to build? No pressure. Just explore. 6. Create a Career Criteria list. Think beyond the job. Ask: → What kind of life do I want? → Flexibility or structure? → Am I best front-and-center or behind the scenes? → What are my absolute no’s? You’re not trying to fit into a job, you’re building a career that fits you. Let me say this: If you’re in the “I have no clue what I want to do” season… -You’re not broken. -You’re not late. -You’re just being honest with yourself. And that’s where real clarity begins. If you want support figuring it out with guidance, strategy, and real community, I got you. Drop “PATH” in the comments or DM me and I’ll send you the info to join the P.A.T.H. Forward™ Community. You’re not behind. You’re in the middle of realignment. And that’s brave as hell. 💥 _______________ Join the P.A.T.H. Forward Community: https://lnkd.in/gDMj8V5r Hi, I’m Erica Rivera, CPCC, CPRW. 👋 Voice-finder. Story-shaper. Career strategist. I help you untangle the career story you were handed — and rewrite it in a way that aligns with your values, your vision, and your next chapter.

I have 1:1 conversations all the time with people who want to explore different roles or opportunities internally but feel awkward, unsure, or nervous about how to approach it. If that’s you, here are a few things I want you to know: 1. Curiosity is not disloyalty Wanting to explore doesn’t mean you’re unhappy or ungrateful. It means you’re thinking about growth. 2. You don’t need a fully formed plan Internal exploration can start with learning. A conversation doesn’t have to equal a commitment. 3. Lead with development, not escape Frame your interest around skills you want to build, problems you want to solve, or experiences you want exposure to, not what you’re trying to get away from. 4. Start with questions, not asks Ask how people got into their roles, what the work is really like, and what skills matter most. Exploration first. Decisions later. 5. Be intentional about the manager conversation This step matters and it’s often where people get stuck. Before you talk to your manager, get clear on: ↳ why you want to explore ↳ what skills you’re trying to build next ↳ how your growth still supports the team and business When you do have the conversation, lead with alignment and contribution, not dissatisfaction. Something like: “I’m enjoying my role and want to continue growing here. I’ve been thinking about the skills I want to build next and would love your perspective on how I can get exposure to X over time.” This signals that you’re invested, thoughtful, and playing the long game. Timing matters too. These conversations land best when: ↳ your performance is solid ↳ trust is established ↳ the goal is dialogue, not an immediate move And remember, one conversation doesn’t have to solve everything. Sometimes the goal is simply to open the door. Exploring internally doesn’t mean you’re leaving. It means you’re being intentional about your career. ***** 👉🏾 Save this for when you’re ready to have the conversation. Your future self will thank you.

WHAT’S YOUR NEXT STEP? It sounds like a reasonable question. One that coaches are trained to ask, too.   However, it subtly hints at linear progression as well, being more or less one-dimensional and action-oriented. How about asking: 👉 What role do you want to grow into next?   The context shifts to one of identity and evolution. Now, we do not focus on action but on meaning. When you ask about your next role, you’re not just planning a move. You are shaping the contribution you want to make.   This requires growth and experimentation– perhaps even a fundamental reinvention. This brings us to a subtle trap…   We quickly assume that the career phase defines what’s possible: 📌 I’m too senior to start over. 📌 I’m too early to claim that role.   But a career phase is not the same as identity. Your phase is just context; identity is something you grow into.   The roles that matter most aren’t tied to title or tenure. They are identity-based roles – like creator, connector, builder, reframer, integrator, or experimenter. These roles don’t belong to any one career phase. They belong to whoever is ready to embody them.   Of course, some roles naturally align with certain stages – like a novice in the early career, strategist in mid-career, or advisor in the late career. But even those – such as a mentor or visionary –  can show up much earlier than expected. What matters isn’t where you are in your timeline but where you are in your growth.   And that brings us back to the question: 👉 What role do you want to grow into next?   In today’s world, career phases are fluid. The question isn’t: ❌ What’s appropriate for someone at my age or level? It’s: ✅ What role do I want to inhabit next — and what would it take to grow into it?   #CoachRisto #CareerPerceptions #CareerIdentity #ProfessionalEvolution  

🔍 Looking for Your Next Executive Role? Start Here. For senior leaders navigating a career transition, the first—and often most overlooked—step is knowing what you’re truly good at. Before updating your CV or reaching out to your network, take a moment to reflect: What energises you? What comes naturally? What do others consistently rely on you for? Patrick Lencioni’s model of The 6 Working Geniuses offers a powerful lens for this self-discovery: ⚙️ Wonder – You see potential and ask the big questions. ⚙️ Discernment – You have intuitive judgment and insight. ⚙️ Enablement – You support and assist others with ease. ⚙️ Invention – You generate original ideas and solutions. ⚙️ Galvanising – You rally people and drive momentum. ⚙️ Tenacity – You push projects through to completion. Understanding your top geniuses helps you align your next role with your natural strengths and passions, not just your experience. This clarity is your compass. It leads not only to roles you can do, but to roles you’ll thrive in. 🧭 Ready to explore your working genius? It might just be the key to unlocking your next chapter. #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerTransition #WorkingGenius #PatrickLencioni #JobSearchStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfAwareness

Accompanying my journey the last couple of weeks during my year end travels were a couple of insightful reads, one of which was “The Portfolio Life” by Christina Wallace, Sr Lecturer at Harvard Business School who shares her insights to how we can future proof our careers, avoid burnout & build a life bigger than our business cards because many are increasingly looking for a different relationship with work, one that allows us to define ourselves beyond our paid labor, knowing that we are more than any one role or opportunity, diversification will help us navigate change and mitigate uncertainty and allows us to rebalance anytime our needs changes. This book is a thought-provoking exploration of career philosophy that challenges conventional notions of success & professional fulfillment. Wallace advocates for a paradigm shift, urging readers to view our careers as dynamic portfolios rather than traditional linear trajectories. The book delves into the concept of embracing a diverse set of skills & experiences, akin to constructing a well-balanced investment portfolio. Wallace draws on her own experiences and those of successful individuals who have embraced a multidimensional approach to their careers. Through engaging anecdotes and practical insights, she illustrates how weaving together various passions and skills can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient professional life. One key strength of the book lies in its ability to resonate with a broad audience. Whether you're a seasoned professional contemplating a career shift or a recent graduate navigating the early stages of your professional journey, "The Portfolio Life" offers valuable guidance. Wallace's writing is both accessible and profound, making complex ideas about career development digestible for readers at various stages in their lives. In addition, the book serves as a call to action, challenging readers to assess and diversify their skill sets intentionally. It prompts reflection on personal values, passions, and long-term goals, encouraging a proactive and strategic approach to career planning. Wallace provides practical exercises and frameworks to help readers identify and leverage their unique strengths, fostering a sense of empowerment and purpose. As someone navigating the intricacies of a dynamic work landscape & mentoring/ offering advice to numerous others, I found "The Portfolio Life" to be a refreshing and timely read. It has not only reshaped my perspective on career development but has also inspired me to embrace a more holistic approach to my professional journey. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a comprehensive guide to navigating the evolving nature of work in the 21st century. #BookReview #CareerDevelopment #ThePortfolioLife #reflections #holidayreads

This week, a colleague PM told me he felt stuck in his position and asked for advice on how to grow his career. Here's what I shared: Manage your career like a product Think of your career as a product: Where do you have a strong market fit? Are you growing or stagnating? Do you need a pivot to unlock your next stage of growth? Adopt the same strategic mindset you’d use to grow a product and apply it to yourself! Clarify your direction Feeling stuck is frustrating, but the first step is to figure out where you want to evolve. What excites you? What skills or roles do you aspire to? Start by answering those questions—it’s the foundation for any growth. The world is more colorful than your company’s logo When you’ve worked at the same company for a while, it’s easy to think the whole world operates the same way. But it doesn’t! Explore other industries, connect with people in different fields, and you’ll discover a world full of vibrant opportunities and perspectives waiting to be explored. Find a mentor Sometimes you need guidance from someone who isn’t your manager and doesn’t have a vested interest in your current role. Seek a mentor—inside or outside your organization—who can provide unbiased advice. (If you think I could help, don’t hesitate to reach out!) Read what others write on career growth Great insights can come from thought leaders who share their experiences and frameworks. For instance, I recommend reading Nikhyl Singhal, who writes extensively about product management and career development. Feeling stuck in your career isn’t the end; it’s an opportunity to reorient and grow. The key is to take charge: apply a product mindset, explore the colorful world beyond your current context, learn from others, and seek guidance from those who’ve walked the path before. Growth starts with intentional steps. Where will yours take you next?

🏢 Architects: The world is changing, and so are we. It's time to embrace the portfolio career - a diverse career path that allows you to pursue multiple passions and roles. We've been taught to limit ourselves to a single job title or career trajectory. But in today's dynamic landscape, we can leverage our multifaceted skills and interests to thrive in various domains. Your career can be a rich tapestry of pursuits that fulfill you in different ways. Side gigs, freelance work, and passion projects don't have to mirror your day-to-day role directly. I've written for blogs, contributed to publications, advised startups, taught workshops, and actively participated in my professional association. These diverse experiences have expanded my horizons and allowed me to grow in ways that a traditional career may not have. For example, writing for industry blogs has honed my communication skills and allowed me to share my expertise. Advising early-stage companies has challenged me to think strategically and provide creative solutions. Teaching workshops have enabled me to share my knowledge while continuously learning from others. Each of these endeavors taps into a different aspect of my identity as an architect. They allow me to explore complementary interests, build new skills, and create a more dynamic, meaningful career. Let's redefine what a fulfilling career looks like. 🌱 What complementary skills, interests, or projects are you eager to explore beyond your primary job? Embracing a portfolio approach can unlock new dimensions of growth and meaning. By diversifying your pursuits, you can unlock new avenues for impact, innovation, and personal fulfillment. A portfolio career empowers you to be more than just one role—it enables you to be the multidimensional, adaptable professional that today's world demands. _____________________ Hi, 👋🏻 I'm Evelyn Lee, FAIA | NOMA I've been on the client side for over a decade and have spent the last five years in tech, helping create exceptional employee experiences while growing the business. Now, I help architects: ⇒ Think Differently ⇒ Redefine Processes ⇒ Create Opportunities

We often hear “Don’t chase a title, you’ll lose your purpose.” But here’s the real dilemma: if you’re yet to join a company, how do you even know whether your purpose will be met? The title alone tells you very little. That’s where asking the right questions before you accept the offer makes all the difference. And no, I’m not talking about compensation or work-life balance - those are hygiene factors. The real questions are about the experience you’re signing up for: 1️⃣ Speak to someone already in that role. Don’t just rely on the JD. E.g. You may discover the job is 90% client-facing when you thrive in a mix of client + product development. 2️⃣ Ask what new skills they’ve acquired in the last year. Growth is the true currency of a role. 3️⃣ Understand who you’ll actually be working with - your team, your manager, your key stakeholders. These relationships shape your daily reality. 4️⃣ Get clarity on the exposure you’ll receive - internally (to leadership, cross-functional teams) and externally (to clients, industry). 5️⃣ Explore the career path ahead. How do expectations shift as you grow? Will the role stretch you or box you in? 👉And here’s one more I find underrated: 6️⃣ How does success get measured in this role? Is it purely numbers or does it include thought leadership, innovation, collaboration? This one answer will tell you a lot about whether the role truly aligns with your purpose. At the end of the day, it’s not about the title you accept, it’s about the journey you choose. 🔑 Next time you’re considering a new role, ask these questions. They’ll help you see beyond the title and into the lived reality of the job. What other questions do you think are crucial to ask before joining a new role? #career #mentorship #leadership

In long-term career studies, the people who end up the most satisfied and the most successful aren’t the ones who pick a path early and stick to it no matter what. They’re the ones who treat career choice like an experiment. They try something. They pay attention to how it fits their motivation, their strengths, what energizes them. And if the fit is poor, they change direction. Not impulsively. Not dramatically. Just strategically. Economists call this improving your match quality the alignment between your work and who you actually are. And you can’t find that alignment without sometimes walking away from options that look good on paper but feel wrong in practice. Strategic, informed quitting isn’t a failure of discipline. It’s a tool for better fit. If something feels “off,” you don’t always have to force your way through it. Exploration isn’t the opposite of commitment. Exploration is how you earn the right to commit to the right thing.

I was a Food Scientist for many years. On paper, it looked great: good pay, supportive teams, and predictable projects. Some may even call such a technical career path as a “safe” choice. But deep down, I knew comfort wasn’t enough. I wanted growth. I wanted a challenge. I wanted my career to excite me, not just sustain me. I wanted to bring my full personality to the roles I pursued. Here's what helped me navigate that 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐩𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐭: → 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲. I started looking into various industries, roles, and perspectives. I did a lot of reading, joined webinars on certain topics, and connected with people whose careers sounded inspiring to me. Curiosity brought clarity for me; it helped me find out what excites me and what I want to pursue. → 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬. Skills I'd built over years, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and leadership weren't limited to the current role. I learned how my experiences could open up doors that I perhaps had not considered. → 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥. I began with side projects, volunteering, and cross-functional opportunities. Each step was low-risk yet high-impact. The experiences gave me confidence, tested my interests, and created momentum toward bigger changes. → 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟. I did targeted learning, advanced education, and sought mentorship. Every skill added, every connection nurtured, was a deliberate investment in my future self. And preparation reduced fear and made the leap seem possible. → 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 "𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞" 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬. Comfort isn't growth. True safety is being prepared for change, having the confidence to navigate uncertainty, and trusting one's ability to enter new opportunities. Your "safe" role can be a springboard. Growth starts at the edge of your comfort zone. 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲: identify one new skill to learn, one new person to connect with, or one small project to try outside of your current role. Momentum starts with action. 🗣 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 “𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵” 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴? I’d love to hear your experiences. ✨ 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠? ♻️ 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭. #CareerGrowth #CareerPivot #CareerAdvice #LifeLongLearning #TakeTheLeap ___________________________________ Hi, I’m Tamanna, a former food scientist turned business strategist and career coach. I help high achieving Millennial women thrive in corporate careers.