Are You Sprinting to a Disappointing Career?

Friends with tunnel vision. Only interested in joining a company that is “just a year away from an IPO.” Do you know anyone like this — running hard, hoping to hit the tech lottery? I do. A friend recently explained that he was mid-career and needed to have a big hit quick.

Unfortunately, he said the same thing 10 years and five jobs ago.

But here is the thing — most careers are not quick and big hits are unlikely. This is why sprinting from job to job, hoping for a gold medal will most likely leave you empty handed and out of breath.

These job sprinters can spend years chasing a quick win — only to never find it. The end result is disappointment and a career that is not really advancing.

Too many people think of jobs as a short race — where there is a winner at the finish line. But what happened to working towards milestones on a longer journey to success?

To achieve something meaningful, you need to know where you are heading and be willing to train hard to get there. This requires a long-distance mindset.

You commit yourself to the work because you know what you are after.

And you will have the opportunity to learn more when you stay at a company for a longer period of time. But like a marathon, you will need replenishments along the way.

Here is what has worked for me:

1. Set long-term goals Your goals are the finish line. So once you know what you are running towards, you can move confidently and strategically in the right direction — rather than impulsively jumping from one company to the next.

2. Embrace group runs Run along side other achievers — a strong team with shared values — who are also thinking about the long journey. Sometimes they will support you, and other times you will support them. But you will always learn from each other.

3. Cross-train Committing to a company for the long haul builds confidence and trust for you and your team. As you achieve meaningful results, you will be rewarded with new projects and responsibilities — ultimately developing a broader set of skills and allowing you to work with a broader group of people.

4. Plan for recovery Maintain peak performance by taking breaks when needed. This is more than just vacation time — it is about stepping away from your daily tasks to pursue your passions. Look for meaningful ways to do this, whether it is taking on a new project, mentoring others, or enrolling in a class.

Building a career that has longevity requires endurance.

But this endurance will not only lead to a lasting career — it will lead to one that is sustainably happy. When you look back at the race, you will see the effort and grit that you put in. And you will feel proud of what you have accomplished.

How do you plan for a long career?