mindshift fourYou are in a relationship with your career: Nurture it
I was playing badminton with a coach at an indoor facility in Botany Bay, Australia, when I noticed a young woman on the courts who looked like she might play at about my level, which I consider ‘permanent advanced beginner’. (I played badminton in junior high, but then not again until my forties.) I don't stand a chance against serious badminton athletes, but I love the sport. Naturally, I had to meet this woman, perhaps the only badminton player in all of Sydney who wouldn't beat me 21‐0 every time.
I approached her and suggested we play a match. She agreed.
We began meeting weekly at the courts while I was in Australia. I learned a lot about this young woman, Katrien, between sets. Originally from Belgium, she is nomadic and ambitious, and unafraid to share her views — qualities I relate to (and share).
She was working at a leading tech company in Sydney. One day, during a break between sets, she told me that she had nascent job offers with two other companies. She liked her current firm, but she wanted to rise and her boss refused to promote her. She didn't want to leave her company, but one of these other offers included greater responsibility and a raise, while the other would give her a much bigger title. ...