There's not a better way to ring in the new year than setting your intentions for the next year and in this case the next decade. We turned to our team of Ambassadors & Athletes to help us create Sister Sage, a weekly roundup of advice and insights into what we learned in the past decade (because no one wants to go through that shit again.) In week three, we're tackling a topic that keeps many of us up at night: our careers.
Brittney Dickson @stay_wild_backcountry: Choose the lifestyle you want to live. We are always so scared to quit the 9-5 Monday to Friday gig but we can live the life we want as well as have a fulfilling career. Find something that you are truly passionate about and willing to put your heart and soul into. It will be a lot of work but in the end, your career will be something you are proud of and willing to put in those late nights and early mornings.
Shelby Burns @shelbssays: Go where you think you will grow! It is important to live somewhere where you can feel inspired by those around you, as well as your environment!
Zy Luzader @moonheavy: Take a chance on yourself. So often we get stuck waiting for the right time, the right situation, the right opportunities. At the end of the day, you have to take the jump and decided to believe in yourself. You have to accept that not everything will go exactly to plan and one of the most resourceful skills you can have is the ability to roll with the punches and work through whatever challenges arise. You might not end up where you expected, but you'll end up where you need to be.
Coral Taylor @c_ros: Ask for what you want. If you don't ask, the answer is always “no."
Natasha Way @thenattyway: People tend to think that you grow up, get a career, and then spend your life in that career. What we often don't realize is that most people have more than one career and that it's absolutely okay to switch it up. It doesn’t have to be a lifetime commitment.
Rachel Fortman @rachelfortman: Don't be afraid to try something different. If you aren't feeling fulfilled where you are currently that is okay. Taking the chance and exploring a new opportunity can open new doors. It can be easy to think we need to stay in one field because we went to school for it, learned a trade, etc. Meeting new people and creating connections may just help get you where you wanted without you even realizing it.
Lexie Gritlefeld @weekend.roamer: I am where I am in my career because I metaphorically raised my hand and volunteered. Networking has built my career and most of the connections I've made were because I stepped up for free. But when you do get that job offer, always ask for more money than you're comfortable asking for. It won't hurt.
Jodi Redfield @jodiwankenobe: Just keep going. For years I picked away at things that would align with my passion for working in the mountains. One year I took my Wilderness First Responder, then avalanche courses and interning. As you go you may not realize the network you built until something comes your way.
Madi McKinstry @tele_madi: What drives you? This is the starting point. Take steps to make your career mirror your passions. Apply for the job you think you're not qualified for; apply to all the companies that offer what you want to do for work. It is a long process and you have to sift your way through the bullshit, learn how to leave things that aren't making you happy, and do things for yourself.
Heidi Hoang @hoang.heidi: Be opportunistic!
Robyn Goldsmith @scenesfromthetrail: Picture what you want your life to look like. Is a flexible schedule important to you or do you like structure? Do you mind sitting in an office, or are you someone who can't sit still? Questions about how you want to live your day to day are incredibly important. You may be passionate about a subject, but if the everyday reality of the job doesn't suit your needs, you'll be unhappy.
Want more? Read about our advice for LOVE here and our relationship with MONEY here.