How would you spend your days if money wasn’t a problem? Realistic or not, this simple thought experiment helps identify and make room in your life for the things that really inspire you. Things perhaps forgotten because of the busyness of the daily routine. Indeed, this is the same question that I asked myself when I took time-off work to consider a career transition.  

It clarifies 

This is the same question that played a pivotal role in my decision to leave Finance 5 years ago. This little question is so useful because it really clarifies where intrinsic interest lies. It brings to the fore what truly attracts you and how you would spend time, if we remove economic constraints. 

And, by recognising what attracts you, you give yourself more choice. Choice in how you allocate your time and prioritise things because you know what you want. There is no confusion about the matter. It is no longer something hidden away at the back of your mind. 

Career transition 

When people consider a career transition, they are often too quick to view possibilities through a very narrow lens. A narrow lens of “I wonder what jobs are out there”? The more fundamental question to ask is what you  really want to be doing if money wasn’t a problem. And from such a place of understanding, figure out if a role that makes economic sense exists for you. 

The common trap when making a career transition is being led too much by what you feel you should be doing, rather than by what you really want to do. I’m not saying external constraints don’t exist. All I am saying is start by investigating where your intrinsic interest lies! 

It makes a huge difference.

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Harsha is a 1:1 coach and independent thinker based in London. He empowers people to find more clarity, confidence and focus in their lives — to cut through the noise, in a world so full of it. Harsha’s new book, Machine Ego: Tragedy of the Modern Mind, is now available in paperback and Kindle through Amazon.