“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” A question that many of us struggle with, especially when you get put on the spot in a job interview.
Thinking about those next few years is useful, though. I suggest you simply do it in a different way and that’s what I want to focus on today: Making these ‘future perspective’ questions work in your favour.
The impact of uncertainty
Honestly, the biggest struggle I have with “where do you see yourself in XX years?” is that life feels increasingly uncertain, there are so many factors impacting what you do, where you live, who you surround yourselves with. How can you know what you’ll be doing in a few year’s time?
Add to this that certain jobs and companies that will be exciting in 5 years don’t even exist yet. Yes, that’s how fast the pace has become.
Take a retrospective approach
The most fun and inspiring way I’ve found for thinking about the future – professionally and personally – has been to transport myself there and look backward.
Use the questions below to guide you. I recommend you give yourself plenty of time and a quiet spot somewhere, so you can really focus without distractions.
Exercise 1: It’s the 24th of April 2028.
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What has happened in the last 5 years?
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What projects did you complete at work?
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What are you proud to have achieved?
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Which colleagues are you still working with? Are you at the same company as in 2023?
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If not, where do you work now?
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What’s your role?
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What does your workday look like?
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What skills did you build over the last 5 years?
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Which path did you choose? Are you a manager, director, etc. or did you develop as an individual contributor and subject matter expert?
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What are you known for?
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How are you spending your spare time?
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Who are the people you surround yourself with, your family and friends?
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Where do you live?
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Which values have shaped how you live?
Exercise 2: You’re 80 years old. It’s your birthday.
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Who is at your birthday party?
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Where are you celebrating it? What’s the setting, the weather, the location?
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When you look back on your life, what are you most proud of?
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Who has been there with you along the way?
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What matters to you today? And how does this compare to what you think mattered most in 2023?
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What are the steps you had to take to get to where you are today?
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What did your career look like?
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What personal relationships did you value the most along the way?
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What are you passing on to your loved ones and friends? What knowledge and ideas are you sharing with them?
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What are some possible regrets you may have and how will you use the rest of your life to do what you haven’t done and connect with those you care about?
Have the courage to think through these questions
Take your time as you go through this exercise and write down your answers by hand if possible. It helps you connect more closely with your ideas and dreams.
Yes, thinking about some of these questions can bring a tear to your eyes, but I’m confident you will be glad to go through the exercises and think about those topics. And I predict that once you’re done you will think back to what you’ve written.
For me, the ’80th birthday exercise’ was really impactful. I did it shortly after buying our house and when I look out to the garden, I think of the answers I wrote down and how I’ve now got ideas and thoughts that will guide me to lead the life I want to live. So that when I turn 80, it will feel almost like a deja-vu when I reach the point that I envisioned so many years earlier.
You’re allowed to change your mind too
Of course you may find that in a few years from now your dreams for the future are different. You’re allowed to want whatever it is that YOU want. You can change your vision for your own life whenever you feel compelled to do so.
You already know what questions can guide you :-).
Have a great week!
Eva
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