Sometimes in my life I try to control nearly every element, plan every detail and predict what’s coming around the corner. I know a lot of people like this, and also those that aren’t.
But as much as I’d like to believe I hold the reins, life has a habit of surprising us with unexpected events that can throw our neatly structured plans into disarray. And it’s in these moments – when life blindsides us – that we’re reminded of just how precious, fragile, and unpredictable life is. To be a planner, then not having that ability to continue to plan, beyond a certain time frame makes me think that it’s not about how long we have, but how deeply we engage with what we truly care about.
Recently, I had two conversations that drove this message home. The first was with someone I’ve known for a long time, a respected professional and aged care executive. They shared the heartbreaking news of a terminal cancer diagnosis. I didn’t know what to say over the phone, so I just said I don’t know what to say, how at times like this in life it’s important to acknowledge the heartbreak I am feeling for them, and to also say I’m uncomfortable with their discomfort. I was so upset.
Faced with such a devastating reality, I expected to hear a list of bucket list dreams: travel the world, skydive, or finally learn to play the piano. But for them, the priority was clear – continue to lead the organisation as its CEO. To finish what has been started and leave the legacy of a strong, thriving organisation for the team and community is what the rest of their life now will be about. It’s not about grand gestures or ticking boxes, but about the quiet dedication to a purpose that they hold dear.
In a deeply raw, moving and poignant way, it highlights that for some, the work they do is more than a job – it’s an extension of their values, an expression of who they are.
This conversation got me reflecting on the unpredictability of life and how we never truly know what hand we’ll be dealt. While some people respond to life’s curveballs by leaping into adventure, others, like this respected aged care leader, choose to stay the course and pour their energy into their professional calling. And that’s okay. There’s no right way to face life’s uncertainties.
Passion: The Heartbeat of a Fulfilling Life
When faced with the reality that time is limited, it’s easy to shift into a mindset of urgency. The “live each day like it’s your last” mentality can be inspiring, but it also runs the risk of making us feel pressured to do something grand with every moment. Instead, I think it’s more about focusing on what makes us feel alive, engaged, and fulfilled. Passion is the engine that drives us forward, awe can be something to inspire us, even when the road takes unexpected turns.
I struggle sometimes coming up with conversation with people in my personal life, because I feel my hobbies and interests are somewhat limited. And that I don’t have a lot to talk about that would be of interest to people. Then I remind myself that my passion and what brings me joy is ocean swimming. The weather patterns, surf conditions, the marine life and shark ecosystems. Also the people I have such a bright bond with, the people I swim and socialise with post-swimming. That is what my passion is. My dog – another passion, my family, my neighbours and my home. So I ask myself sometimes why is this not enough? I know I have a fulfilling life, I do love my work, even though it is draining and exhausting mentally at times, and a beautiful family. So why would I question my passions? Why would I think I don’t have a fulfilling life, is it because I compare it to others who have current affairs, know global and national issues, social and political issues and enjoy talking about that?
I think whether your passion is working on complex organisational challenges or something more personal, like writing or mentoring others, the crucial thing is to follow it wholeheartedly. Too often, we put off pursuing what truly matters, telling ourselves there will be time “later.” But what if later doesn’t come? What if the universe sends us in a different direction? Knowing what gives us purpose and acting on it now ensures that whatever happens, we’ve used our time well.
For those like my former colleague, who find immense satisfaction in their work, continuing to contribute – despite the diagnosis – feels like the right path. The idea of a “bucket list” isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It doesn’t have to mean dropping everything to chase new experiences; it can be just as meaningful to keep building on what you’ve already started.
Life’s Detours: Embracing the Unknown
The second conversation was with people navigating a different kind of life change – separation or divorce. They’re transitioning from a life they once knew into something entirely uncharted. While it’s undeniably painful, it’s also an opportunity for reinvention and new beginnings. They’re open to relocating for a new job, taking professional leaps they may have never considered before.
It’s not easy to move forward when the ground beneath you shifts. The path may feel uncertain, but it’s important to remember that uncertainty isn’t inherently negative. In fact, it often brings growth and change that can be transformative. A sudden curve in the road can lead us somewhere we’d never have gone if we’d stayed on the straight path.
As a recruiter and someone deeply invested in people’s professional journeys, I’ve learned that listening is key. Often, the conversation begins with talk of roles and skills, but it’s what’s happening behind the scenes that really shapes people’s decisions and motivations. Taking the time to understand these transitions – both professional and personal – allows us to better support and guide people to roles that truly resonate with who they are becoming, not just who they were. I know that’s what everyone who works in my business is passionate about. The whole person. It’s not just a Resume, it’s the person.
Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity
One of the most difficult aspects of change is letting go of the need to have all the answers. We might not know where we’re headed, and that’s okay. There’s a certain freedom in embracing the unknown, in allowing ourselves to say, “I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m willing to see where this goes.”
Whether we’re facing the end of a career due to illness or the end of a marriage, the truth is that every ending is also a beginning. It’s a chance to reassess, recalibrate, and redefine success on our own terms. Sometimes, we have to step into unfamiliar territory to discover what really matters to us. It’s in these moments of upheaval that we often learn the most – about our strengths, our values, and what we’re truly capable of.
The Interplay Between Personal and Professional Lives
These conversations reminded me that there’s no clear line between our personal and professional worlds. What happens in one inevitably affects the other. For someone facing terminal illness, work can be a grounding force, a place of normalcy amidst the chaos. For those going through personal upheaval, a new role can represent hope and a fresh start.
As recruiters and leaders, it’s essential to acknowledge this interplay. We’re not just placing people into roles; we’re helping them navigate the transitions and complexities of their lives. A job is never just a job – it’s a piece of someone’s identity, a reflection of their aspirations and values. Taking the time to listen, understand, and support people through these changes is a privilege and a responsibility.
Moving Forward with Purpose
So, what’s the takeaway from all of this? Life is short, yes, but it’s also full of possibilities. We should do what we love, because we don’t know when it might be taken away. We should be open to life’s twists and turns, because they often lead us to unexpected and enriching places. And most importantly, we should remember that it’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to change course, to try something new, and to seek out what feels right for us in that moment in time.
As recruiters and leaders, let’s keep this in mind. I encourage you to dig deeper in our conversations, take the time to understand the whole person, and recognise that the roles we fill are not just about skills and experience – they’re about connecting people with work that honours who they are, and who they’re becoming.
Life may be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean we can’t move forward with purpose and passion. Because when all is said and done, it’s not the years in our life that count, but the life in our years.