Introduction

If you have a great job, fantastic. However, many of us find ourselves searching for “what’s next” in our careers. Maybe you feel stuck in a job or company, have been overlooked for promotions or have found yourself unemployed or underemployed. It is time to refresh what you have learned about developing a work path, take time to reassess your aspirations and make a plan to accelerate your career.

Taking your career development into your own hands can be intimidating but also very rewarding. Develop a career that aligns with your passions, your life plan and builds personal wealth. Are you ready for a 45-year career? Are you starting or ending a career? Regardless, of your age, you will be successful by taking ownership of your career and remaining focused on your aspirations.

This book began as a helpful guide to my “20-something” kids and grew in scope to support all career developers. Developing a sustainable and meaningful career can help you live the life you want to live. You deserve a career that will allow you to explore new cultures, challenge the way you think about life and gives you the financial freedom to reinvest yourself.

In this book I have laid out a simple career lifecycle model called ADAPT. ADAPT has five stages that will help guide you through your career. In addition, I have provided 75 Tidbits, or short lessons, for quick and simple ways to reinforce the right behaviors to a successful career. You will immediately recognize what lifecycle stage you are in and be able to plan your next steps.

I have been fortunate to have a 45-year career in the consulting industry. My first inclination as a young adult was to become a long-haul truck driver. After “enjoying” hitchhiking trips through Canada, the United States and Europe, I found a path to becoming CEO of two international consulting firms and the CEO and owner of a manufacturing company. I want to share with you the lessons I learned along the way.

This book is not an academic study. Rather, it’s a practical guide for career planning. I hope the book, the ADAPT lifecycle model and the 75 Tidbits will be an easy and informative read. I am confident that you will reach your career aspirations.

Enjoy a well lived career and life!