Have you ever found yourself abruptly in a hospital waiting room wondering, pondering, and praying for a loved one who is in surgery or waiting on a diagnosis? That time can be very lonely, anxious, confusing, and fearful of the unknown. In some cases, there is overwhelming anger that begins to boil with the root question of WHY? I know the times that I have been in that waiting room, anxiously anticipating an outcome, and the fear is paralyzing!
Now, I would like to talk about a different type of waiting room. This waiting room is at the crossroads of your professional and personal life. This “room” can also abruptly pop up no matter what your age, job industry, or location in this world. This waiting room has been created by the abrupt arrival of COVID-19.
Though it’s been nearly 2 years since the start of the pandemic, it’s hard to argue the severity and fear that has gripped the world. The lockdown and new societal norms created anxiety, panic, anger, and isolation that continues to linger. As a result, it has led many waged and salary workers to rethink their purpose at work and in life. The latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics Economic report shows that millions upon millions have been part of the Great Resignation.
5.9 Million people left their jobs in October and this number was actually down from the record breaking September!
And yet, another report by Visier states that this onslaught of workplace musical chairs is far from being over with some polls predicting that over 50% of American workers are looking for a new job. This statistic shows the level of personal and professional discontentment shown here. American workers are soul searching, desiring to be more fulfilled, better appreciated, and on a desperate journey to find their new purpose. This means there are potentially up to 80 million Americans that are in their hyperbole “waiting room”.
Determining your next step in your career or any major life decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you are a Boomer, you are probably deliberating retirement. If you are part of the Gen X club (like me), then you are probably showing signs of a mid-life crisis and looking to chase a new passion or a new career venture. Millennials and Gen Z’s, your waiting room has you looking for new workplaces that align with your values.
No matter where the cookie crumbles, there is a common connection across all generations who are at the professional crossroads. Everyone is reflecting on the importance and the value of work…and of life.
This waiting period can create resentment, worry, and anxiety, especially if you aren’t finding your answers as quickly as you would like. However, the process of making a life and a career-altering decision can be done with inner peace. Here are a few recommendations to reduce anxiety and possibly provide more clarity during your search and your wait:
Create more free time in your schedule
Run, read, go on a hike, spend time playing with your kids, talk to your spouse, and reflect on everything around you. Create white space on your calendar through time blocking! Carve out a day every week to not have meetings. Jumping from one thing to another all day long leaves no time for self-care, restoration, or dedicated time to be intentionally thoughtful or creative. This rule of thumb of building boundaries in your calendar is not only for those in career contemplation but for those that are looking to optimize performance at work. Going like the energizer bunny from meeting to meeting while contemplating major decisions in life can quickly lead to burnout.
Recalibrate your Sleep
I can not state this enough, getting quality sleep is one of the top 5 things you can ever do in life. Without it, it will leave you frantic, tired, and in an intoxicated and endless foggy state of mind. If you need clarity, having a poor sleep lifestyle will not give you a clear picture of your purpose or potential solutions that could be staring you right in the face.
Network outside of your inner circle
There is an old cliché that you are the reflection of the 5 closest people around you. I would challenge this cliché to also be seasonal as I have had many mentors, friends, and close colleagues come in and out of my life during the seasons that they were meant to be. Your core 5 is a great place to start, but I recommend having a “get rich in friends” approach by continuously networking and being intentional about meeting with those outside your circle! Some may even go as far as hiring a mentor or a life coach to support major decisions.
Connect the Dots of Your Conversations
As you step out of your circle, be intentional in seeking out individuals who have made it to the destination you’re aiming for. Get intentional and schedule a lunch, coffee, or dinner with each person to discuss what’s on your mind. Ask questions about their current life, their obstacles, and how they got to where they are at. Don’t be afraid to ask those in your inner circle their perspectives on your gifts and talents. Conversations with friends can spark ideas in places that you never knew existed. Journal these conversations, reflect on them, and start connecting the dots! Everyone has a different way of journaling, but I highly recommend using a digital application that can be on all your devices like OneNote or Evernote.
There is power of mapping and systemizing your life aspirations, passions, experiences, ideas, and networking conversations.
Get Your Blood Flowing
Running is one of my favorite things to do and I lean on this for my mental therapy. Getting routine aerobic activity gives me the ability to cognitively operate at a higher level. It also increases my happiness (endorphin levels), improves my memory, improves my focus, and boosts the size of my hippocampus! Like any other campus, it’s the area of the brain involved in verbal memory and learning. If you are a parent with kids at home, take them with you! There is research that connects the physical activity to the development of the brains in kids too! Alone, this one tweak in your routine to get more active can help move the needle on your life decisions.
Seek God
This may be last on the list, but it is the most important one. If you believe in a higher power, take time to be in constant conversation and grow your relationship with God. Understand that God’s purposes are much greater than our human agendas and HIS timing is always on time. A friend of mine reminded me of scripture around the theme of finding peace in the waiting room, which can be found in Psalm 27:14: (ESV) – “Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord”. I’m also a huge fan of Proverbs 19: 21 which states, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Take a deep breath and let these scriptures permeate!
In summary, make sure you’re not alone in your waiting room riding the roller coaster of emotions. Use the resources above by surrounding yourself with your trusted circle who will remind you of your significance, networking with new mentors who can spark inspiration, and leaning on God who provides all peace and understanding beyond our wisdom. Put down the remote and the phone and get outdoors with some aerobic activity daily. If you’re going to be in the waiting room, you deserve the self-care and all the peace that is available to you.
