The Anatomy of A Career Defining Decision
Femi Ayeni, Notch Academy Founder
"Have you ever found yourself standing at the crossroads of your career, faced with a decision that could redefine your path? That's precisely what 'The Anatomy of A Career Defining Decision' is all about – my personal journey into the intricate process of making pivotal choices in our professional lives. In this article, I'll be dissecting the twists, turns, and tough calls that shaped my decision to pursue a career in medicine.
As a keen 20-year-old undergraduate student I was fascinated by anthropology, a field founded on the intersection between biology and the sociocultural influences that drive behaviour. More specifically, I was determined to become an archaeologist, studying ancient civilizations and following in the footsteps of my childhood pop-culture hero, Indiana Jones.
Driven by this passion, I planned to chart a unique path and become a world-leading archaeologist. I worked very hard in my undergraduate courses to achieve high grades in an effort to lay the groundwork for a competitive post-graduate application. In my second year of anthropology studies I scheduled a meeting with a particular professor, a world-renowned archaeologist whose brilliance and commanding presence had always captivated me from a distance. His lectures were academic masterpieces, punctuated by impressive field experiences that he referred to often. Naturally, I wanted to follow his path to become a renowned and impactful professor like him. I asked for a meeting with him nervously, and he agreed to meet for 15 minutes after class. Before the meeting, I rehearsed all my talking points.
I arrived well-prepared, armed with a CV, a list of potential graduate programs and a career plan. The professor smiled and said, “This is very impressive,” adding, “I do know who you are.” I was stunned by these comments, learning he had taken notice of my academic performance and writing skills. He said I had tremendous potential, but then he became more pensive, advising that considering Canada’s generally cold climate, I would need to contemplate graduate training abroad . In order to gain field experience, I would need to consider schooling somewhere warm, perhaps South America or Africa. Instantly, I gasped at this, not realizing that in order to become what I thought I wanted to be I would have to leave behind family and friends for an extended period to pursue my career aspirations. This hurdle seemed particularly daunting, especially as it was in a time pre-dating widespread social media and easy connectivity. I valued being close to my four siblings, my parents and my network of relatives and friends.
My professor also cautioned that a future career in archaeology might necessitate residing abroad permanently when my studies were completed, as full-time opportunities in colder climates could be challenging to secure. At best, Canada would likely only offer part-time employment as a field archaeologist. Finally, he left me with this comment: “Perhaps instead of studying the bones of the dead, you should consider a field studying the bones of the living”. Although he was still happy to support my ambitions, his candid advice was eye-opening and triggered a sequence of events that ultimately reshaped my career path, sending me through a cycle of disappointment, introspection and a new plan of action.
Disappointment: My plans, it seemed, were perhaps idealistic and fueled by youthful enthusiasm. The conversation introduced me to the practical realities of pursuing this path. I grappled with the thoughts that all my diligent studying and accomplishments were for naught. Even worse - What would I tell my friends, who were so fascinated by what I was up to? Exiting this path was a daunting task.
Introspection: This experience was my first introduction to the concept of “ikigai”, prompting a period of self-discovery to discern my passions and interests. I evaluated my current trajectory and career plan, as well as my professor’s sage advice to consider studying bones in the living.
I asked these related questions:
What did I love? (Anatomy and generally helping people)
What was I good at? (Using my hands doing manual skills)
Where could my knowledge of anatomy be needed and useful? (Medicine)
Would I be able to sustain myself in that profession? (Yes)
Through this reflection, I decided to pivot to a career in medicine and eventually orthopedic surgery, which I have come to think of as “archaeology of the living”. Once I realized what I valued most – family relationships – the path was clear. To me family meant everything and I valued those close family relationships more than any other career aspiration. Naturally, staying physically closer to family which allowed for more growth in those relationships was the main priority for me.
Action: Although my professor had laid the groundwork for change, the action plan wasn’t initially clear. I needed to ask more questions, consult with others who had gone down the road to medicine before me and check in with trusted friends and family who knew me best. I needed to understand what a career in medicine entailed and how to get there. After all, I had already spent 2 years planning for a path that wasn’t meant for me and didn’t have time to waste. A careful plan of action was created.
This led to a strategic shift in my coursework, focusing on obtaining prerequisite courses, volunteering to get an in-depth understanding of the medical profession, and taking the standardized test required to apply to medical school. I vividly recall my 21st birthday was spent studying extensively for an organic chemistry test. As some say, hard work pays off, and indeed, the following year, I was granted entrance to the medical school at the University of Ottawa.
Looking back, the decision to embark on an early career change was fraught with doubts and a fear of failure. A trusted mentor, who had my best interests in mind, provided me with unfiltered and honest advice. Although it was difficult to hear at the time, the experience proved pivotal. I learned that digging deep to find an “ikigai” that aligns with your core values is crucial in career development and professional decision making. Years later I am indeed thankful for the advice I received from this mentor. This transformative conversation led me to a career in Orthopaedic Surgery and set in motion a lifetime of work helping others find their “ikigai” as they embark on their own professional journeys. Navigating this process of making a career defining decision is certainly not easy but seizing opportunities that align with our goal, values and preferences is the overarching goal. I continue to embrace the lessons learned from this professional journey and invite you to share your thoughts (www.thenotchacademy.com).
Below are actionable insights from my career journey that you can apply to yours:
Reflect on Your Career Path: Take time to reflect on your current career trajectory and consider if it aligns with your passions, strengths, and long-term goals.
Seek Honest Advice: Don't hesitate to seek advice from trusted mentors or professionals in your field. Their insights can offer valuable perspectives and help you navigate uncertainties.
Evaluate Practical Realities: Consider the practical aspects of your chosen career path, including job prospects, geographical considerations, and potential sacrifices you may need to make.
Embrace Change: Be open to the possibility of change if you discover that your current path isn't fulfilling or aligned with your aspirations. Don't be afraid to pivot towards opportunities that resonate with your values and priorities.
Take Strategic Action: Once you've identified a new direction, develop a clear action plan to pursue it. This may involve acquiring necessary skills, seeking relevant experiences, and preparing for any required qualifications or certifications.
Gratitude and Learning: Acknowledge and appreciate the guidance and support you receive along the way. Embrace the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks, and use them to inform your future decisions.
Discover Your Ikigai: Strive to find your "ikigai" – a sense of purpose and fulfillment that aligns with your core values and passions. This will serve as a guiding principle in your career journey.
Seize Opportunities: Be proactive in seizing opportunities that align with your goals and values. Stay resilient and adaptable as you navigate the twists and turns of your career path.
By implementing these actionable steps, you can navigate career-defining decisions with confidence and clarity, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven professional journey.