I’m working with clients in two different stages: one early career and one late career. 
They are both trying to determine their next step for their careers.
In discussing early career challenges with a colleague, she reminded me of a great book, Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.
One of my favorite takeaways from this book is the authors’ belief, “Anti-passion is our passion”.
Their experience suggests that most people don’t have just one passion that drives their career decisions.
Rather, most people have many different passions throughout their lives.
The authors also believe that IT TAKES TIME to develop your passion.
Their research shows that, “for most people, passion comes AFTER they try something, discover they like it, and develop mastery – NOT BEFORE”.
This advice is relevant for my early career client who is just getting started AND for my late career client who is considering passions to determine his next role.
We must try things, experiment, and explore a variety of possibilities.
All of our experiences shape who we are and help guide us on what comes next.
When we continue to learn and to grow, we gain more clarity.
As the Designing Your Life authors ask, “Who or what do you want to grow into?”
Career paths are often circuitous; not linear.
Enjoy the journey!