If we’re fortunate and diligent enough, we might just find that our relationship with work progresses from having a job to pursuing a career to living one’s calling over the course of our life. But, how do we discover our calling in the second half of our working life? There are proven breadcrumbs that can lead you to your calling. Look for something that excites you, agitates you, makes you curious, or feels neglected from earlier in your life. There are all kinds of paths to your calling that may seem odd or impractical, but don’t dismiss them.
Check out this “I’m Going to Rent an Old Man” Instagram viral post of an expat in Japan who finds a site of older men who offer a variety of services. He hires one of them to be his cultural guide to the unique landscape that is Japan and they strike up a beautiful friendship. And, that same day, I connected with a Santa Fe local, Daniel Quat, who found his calling in his 60s as a photographer who has moved from capturing persona to unleashing essence in his subjects. Would recommend that you watch his six-minute Pecha Kucha presentation for some inspiration.
For those of you who are curious about your vocation, MEA is offering two career-oriented workshops coming up in early November. I will be co-leading a Baja workshop Nov 4-9 with the well-known academic Herminia Ibarra (flying in from Europe) called “Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career.” And, then, one week later in Santa Fe (Nov 11-16), two of our most popular guest faculty members, Marci Alboher and Kerry Hannon, are co-leading “Crafting Your Encore: Finding Purpose, Passion and a Paycheck in Your Next Chapter.”
You know it’s time to make this investment. If you don’t answer the call, the proverbial phone will keep ringing. And, for those who need it, we have financial aid available for both of these workshops.
-Chip