Stretch Summary

Your career is like a muscle – the more you stretch it with learning, networking, and resilience, the stronger it becomes.

1. Take Control of Your Career

Your career is your responsibility, and waiting for others to guide you will only leave you stuck. Taking control means making proactive decisions about your path, even when it feels uncertain. If you’re unhappy in your current role, it’s up to you to explore alternatives and take steps toward change.

For example, if you start in a job that doesn’t align with your interests, don’t settle. Shift gears and explore roles that better suit your skills and passions. This might mean switching industries, taking on new challenges, or even going back to school. The key is to stay in the driver’s seat.

Setting goals is another way to maintain control. Goals give you direction and help you stay focused during tough times. They don’t have to be massive; even small, achievable goals can keep you moving forward and motivated.

Examples

• A construction worker who transitioned to sales after realizing he preferred working with people.
• A professional who earned an MBA to open up new career opportunities.
• A worker who set personal goals to stay motivated during a challenging job.

2. Keep Learning on the Job

Learning doesn’t stop after school. In fact, the workplace is one of the best environments to grow your skills. By staying curious and open to feedback, you can turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth.

Take Jonah, a teacher who struggled with classroom management. Instead of giving up, he sought advice from colleagues and adjusted his teaching methods. He shortened lectures and added hands-on activities, which improved his students’ learning and his own confidence.

Feedback is another powerful tool. Chris, an executive trainer, struggled to connect with his trainees. By listening to his boss’s feedback, he realized he wasn’t giving others a chance to share their ideas. Once he started listening more, his leadership skills improved dramatically.

Examples

• Jonah improved his teaching by learning from colleagues and adjusting his methods.
• Chris became a better leader by listening to feedback and changing his approach.
• A professional who used workplace challenges as opportunities to develop new skills.

3. Build a Strong Network

Your network is one of your most valuable career assets. It’s not just about who you know but also about how you nurture those relationships. A strong network can open doors to new opportunities and provide support during tough times.

Zach, a marketing professional, learned this the hard way. He focused so much on work that he neglected his social connections. When he needed clients for his new business, he realized he had no network to rely on. With his father’s advice, Zach began building relationships, which eventually helped his business thrive.

Networking isn’t limited to professional contacts. Personal relationships can also play a big role in your career. Friends, family, and acquaintances can offer advice, connections, or even unexpected opportunities.

Examples

• Zach rebuilt his network and saved his business.
• A professional who used personal connections to find a new job.
• A worker who expanded their network by attending industry events and workshops.

4. Gain Diverse Experiences

Trying different roles and industries can help you discover what you truly enjoy and where your strengths lie. Each experience adds to your skill set and makes you more adaptable.

Alexandra, for instance, started in finance but felt unfulfilled. After exploring her passion for conservation, she landed a role at a wildlife conservancy. Her diverse background in finance and international relations made her a perfect fit for the job.

Diverse experiences also make you more resilient. They teach you how to adapt to new environments and challenges, which is essential in today’s ever-changing job market.

Examples

• Alexandra transitioned from finance to conservation by exploring her interests.
• A professional who tried multiple roles before finding their passion.
• A worker who gained valuable skills by taking on side projects in different fields.

5. Turn Setbacks into Opportunities

Career setbacks can feel devastating, but they’re also opportunities to grow and pivot. The key is to approach them with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn.

Journalist Jill Abramson faced a life-altering accident but used her determination to recover and achieve new heights in her career. Her story shows that resilience and goal-setting can help you bounce back stronger.

Setbacks can also push you to explore new paths. Losing a job might be the nudge you need to pursue a passion or develop a new skill. The important thing is to keep moving forward.

Examples

• Jill Abramson overcame a major accident to become a top journalist.
• A worker who used a layoff as an opportunity to start their own business.
• A professional who turned a career failure into a learning experience.

6. Stay Curious and Take Risks

Curiosity and risk-taking are essential for growth. They keep you engaged and open to new possibilities, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Pouncing on opportunities, even when they seem risky, can lead to unexpected rewards. For example, trying a new role or project might feel intimidating, but it could also uncover hidden talents or interests.

Sharing your goals with others can also keep you accountable and motivated. When you announce your intentions, you’re more likely to follow through and stay focused.

Examples

• A professional who took a risk on a new role and discovered a passion.
• A worker who stayed curious and learned a new skill that advanced their career.
• A team member who shared their goals and gained support from colleagues.

7. Adapt to a Changing Workplace

The workplace is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable is key to long-term success. This means embracing new technologies, flexible work arrangements, and changing hierarchies.

For example, companies like AT&T and Georgia Tech are creating affordable programs to help workers stay competitive. These initiatives show the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing world.

Emotional intelligence is another critical skill. Understanding and responding to others’ emotions can help you navigate workplace changes and build stronger relationships.

Examples

• A worker who adapted to remote work by learning new collaboration tools.
• A professional who stayed competitive by enrolling in an online degree program.
• A team leader who used emotional intelligence to manage change effectively.

8. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Technical skills are important, but emotional intelligence is what sets great professionals apart. It helps you connect with others, manage conflicts, and lead effectively.

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation highlights the growing importance of emotional intelligence. By promoting kindness and well-being, the foundation shows how emotional skills can create positive change.

In the workplace, emotional intelligence can help you understand your team’s needs, build trust, and foster collaboration. It’s a skill that benefits both your career and personal life.

Examples

• Lady Gaga’s foundation promotes emotional intelligence in schools.
• A manager who used empathy to resolve a team conflict.
• A worker who built stronger relationships by improving their emotional awareness.

9. Keep an Eye on the Future

The future of work is unpredictable, but staying informed and prepared can help you thrive. This means keeping up with industry trends, learning new skills, and staying open to change.

For example, universities and companies are updating their programs to match emerging fields. By staying current, you can position yourself as a valuable asset in any industry.

Flexibility is also important. As traditional work structures evolve, being adaptable will help you navigate new challenges and opportunities.

Examples

• A professional who stayed ahead by learning about emerging technologies.
• A worker who embraced flexible work arrangements to improve productivity.
• A team member who adapted to a new role by learning on the job.

Takeaways

1. Take control of your career by setting goals and exploring new opportunities.
2. Build a strong network and stay open to learning from others.
3. Develop emotional intelligence to navigate workplace changes and build better relationships.