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Bussines Coach: Education is a Map to Your Future |
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 Education is the road map for your career. Your destination is a job you love that provides you with an income that will support the lifestyle you want to live.
A map not only shows you the way to your destination, but also shows you other possibilities.
If you know where you are going it's easy, you follow the path shown on the map. Professions like doctor, carpenter and biologist, all have fairly well-defined paths. These maps are readily available and easy to follow.
If you don't know where you are going however, it's a different story.
Many young people, particularly high school students, have not yet decided on a destination, a specific career. They have no idea what they want to do for a living.
Not a problem.
Have you ever gone on a road trip where you had no particular destination in mind? I do that regularly. The plan is to enjoy the journey and see what I find along the way. Sometimes I find a destination.
With a map, at least you have an idea of the possibilities, and as long as you are moving, you are learning. If you don't have a long-term plan, then make real sure that you don't get stuck somewhere you don't like by abandoning your education.
When you stop moving (learning) you end up like a traveller broken down by the side of the road. It might be fine for a while if the weather is good and the scenery is fine, or in terms of a job if you are making good money.
Soon though, that spot on the side of the road is no fun. The sandwiches are gone, it's getting dark and it's cold out. The job where you are not learning feels like a dead end road on a cold night.
We've all been in jobs where we've felt like our career has broken down. That's the time to get out the map and find a new direction.
Ask yourself a few questions? What is it about my job that I don't like and what is it that I do like? What direction can I take that would lead me to doing more of the stuff I like? How do I start moving in that direction and what does the map tell me I need to learn?
Education is the map. Pick a country to explore. Check it out, learn as much as you can about that area. If it is fulfilling and interesting, stick around and explore deeper. If it's not, move on.
A century ago, wealthy young men were encouraged to travel and explore before they settled down to a career. The premise was that they were getting an education and building the foundation for whatever career they finally chose.
Life is no different today. In fact, it is very common for people to pursue many different careers in their lifetimes. The education gained along the way is the foundation for the future.
And thankfully, it isn't necessary to get it right the first time when you are a lifelong traveller.
Denise L. Norman has worked as a professional manager for over 18 years and is trained in a variety of disciplines including organizational coaching and facilitation. She may be contacted at
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