Career as a story
For story makers and storytellers.
Imagine your career as a story, a narrative that you have the power to shape. Every story has a setting, character, plot, conflict, and theme. These elements work together to create the basic structure of a story. Without any of these components, the story will fall flat. Changing these elements can dramatically affect the story's structure and impact. Our careers are not entirely under our control, but so does the story. You can give any person the same setting, character, plot, conflict and theme elements, and the story will come up completely different. We have different starting points, abilities, chances, and backgrounds. Each of us will have a very distinct and unique story and career.
When discussing the setting in a career story, let's refer to the context in which the narrative unfolds. This can include the industry, company culture, location, and other external factors that impact your journey. The setting provides a backdrop for the character's experiences and can influence their decisions and actions.
Plot is the sequence of events that make up the narrative. In a career story, the plot includes the protagonist's goals, challenges, successes, and failures. The plot can be linear, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, or more complex, with multiple subplots and twists.
Conflict is an essential element of any story, and it's no different in a career story. Conflict can arise from external factors, such as an extra demanding boss, unrealistic requests or challenging projects, or internal factors, such as self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and not being ready for the role. But conflict can be more than a barrier; it motivates growth. It drives the narrative forward, forcing the protagonist to overcome obstacles and evolve.
Finally, theme refers to the central idea or message of the story. A career story's theme can be personal and professional growth, resilience, the pursuit of passion, ambition, and the urge to be someone nobody has been in your family. The theme ties together the various elements of the narrative, providing a sense of coherence and meaning. Aka, why do you do what you do at the end of the day?
The character is the most critical element of any story, and the same is valid for a career story. In this context, the character is the protagonist, whose experiences and choices shape the narrative. The character's traits, values, and motivations determine the direction of the journey, and the audience identifies with them on a personal level.
As the protagonist of your career story, you are the central figure driving the plot forward. You set goals, overcome challenges, and aim for success. Your determination, resilience, and vision for your future embody the protagonist's spirit. You can shape your career narrative, making it a compelling and meaningful story.
Within your career narrative, you will often encounter antagonistic forces. These can manifest as obstacles, setbacks, and self-doubt. Yet, these challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth and resilience. The antagonist in your career story tests your resilience and desire to do what you do, forcing you to adapt, evolve, and push forward. You discover your strengths through these conflicts and learn valuable lessons that shape your professional journey. Without the antagonist, it would be boring, too easy, and not worth fighting for.
As the narrator of your experiences, you hold a decisive role in your career story. You reflect on past achievements, setbacks, and pivotal moments, incorporating them into a cohesive narrative that informs your decisions and actions. Your narrator's voice provides context, insight, and a sense of continuity to your career story. This introspection is critical to understanding your journey and shaping your future.
In addition to these primary roles, you encounter side characters who play supporting roles in your professional life. These may include mentors, coaches, colleagues, and collaborators who offer guidance, support, and collaboration. Their presence enriches your journey, providing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful relationships.
The foil represents contrast and juxtaposition, highlighting differences and challenging assumptions. In a career context, the foil can be a contrasting work style, perspective, or approach, which prompts me to consider alternative paths and embrace diversity of thought.
Let's remember the writer in this career story. The writer is again you. But this is not a solo endeavour. As our careers are impacted by many external factors, you are the writer, but your story is shaped by other people and circumstances.
Your story is written by you, but it is influenced by people, events, force majors, and unexpected opportunities. You own every part of it, even the sharp and brutal edges.
You may like my other post on career and stories: What we tell ourselves about our careers.
Check out the archive of all my posts here.