IDEAS Framework Phase 4: Adaptability

The adaptability phase of the career journey can be a challenging but essential part of the process. It comes after you’ve explored various experiences—whether through job shadows, internships, or informational interviews. By this point, you’ve dipped your toes into different roles and industries, gathering insights and learning about what truly resonates with you. But now what?

If you had the opportunity, hopefully, you journaled about these experiences. What stood out to you? What felt aligned with your strengths and values? What didn’t? Reflecting on these answers is crucial. These insights can help you determine if these experiences align with who you are and what you ultimately want.

The adaptability phase is about pausing to reflect, recalibrate, and decide if it’s time to pivot. It might mean returning to the introspection phase, where you dig deeper into understanding your values, interests, and skills. It’s a chance to ask yourself if you want to explore a different industry altogether or perhaps a different role within the same field.

Maybe during your exploration, you spoke with someone who absolutely loved their job, and their passion was infectious. Or perhaps you encountered someone who was disillusioned, and their negativity was palpable. It’s important to discern whether their experience was an anomaly or a pattern within that industry or role. These reflections are key to ensuring you’re aligning your career path with who you are.

The core questions here are: Am I on the right path with where I want to go? Does this light me up? Does this align with who I am?

You don’t want to find yourself deep into a job, only to realize it doesn’t bring you fulfillment or align with your goals. But here’s the beauty of the adaptability phase: even if you do get too far down a path that no longer feels right, it’s never too late to pivot. Adaptability means having the courage to learn, grow, and make changes that lead you in a more purposeful direction.

This phase requires bravery. It’s about taking what you’ve learned and using it to guide your next steps with intention. It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about crafting a career that’s aligned with who you are at your core.