We believe in looking at your life and career through a different lens—a 100-year lens. This approach isn’t just about making money; it’s about creating a fulfilling life story. By planning for a century-long life, you can reflect on your career at various times, use your time wisely, and invest in your future self. Heart-centred financial planning can help you narrate your story, focusing on personal and professional fulfilment rather than just financial gain. Let’s explore how you can find a career that not only grows your wealth but also increases your return on life through effective family wealth management.
Why Think About Life and Career Through a 100-Year Lens?
Longevity Trends: As we continue to advance in healthcare and overall quality of life, people are living longer than ever before. A 100-year life is becoming a realistic expectation, which necessitates a shift in how we view our careers and personal development. Planning for such longevity allows us to anticipate multiple career phases, each bringing new opportunities for growth, reinvention, and personal satisfaction.
Career Phases: Viewing life through a 100-year lens encourages you to think beyond traditional career paths. Instead of a single, linear career, imagine a life with multiple careers or phases of work, rest, and learning. This perspective can help you stay motivated and engaged throughout your life, continuously seeking new challenges and experiences that align with your evolving interests and values.
Creating Options for Your Future Self: One of the most significant benefits of planning for a long life is the ability to create options for your future self. By making thoughtful decisions now, you provide your future self with the flexibility to pursue new interests, switch careers, or even take extended breaks to focus on personal growth. This proactive approach ensures that you remain in control of your life’s direction and can adapt to changes and opportunities as they arise.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Traditional Financial Planning: Traditional financial planning often starts with the wrong goals or ends in mind, focusing solely on accumulating wealth. This can lead to disappointing outcomes as it neglects the importance of personal fulfilment and life satisfaction. By contrast, a heart-centred approach ensures that your financial goals align with your personal values and life aspirations, leading to a more rewarding and balanced life.
Personal Fulfillment: This long-term approach emphasises the importance of personal fulfilment alongside professional success. By planning for a fulfilling life, you can ensure that each career phase contributes to your overall well-being and happiness. This isn’t just about making money—it’s about living a life that reflects your true self and values.
Heart-Centered Financial Planning for a Fulfilling Life
Defining Heart-Centered Financial Planning:
Heart-centered financial planning is an approach that prioritises your personal values, life goals, and overall well-being. Unlike traditional financial planning, which often focuses solely on wealth accumulation, this method integrates your financial decisions with what truly matters to you. It’s about creating a financial plan that supports your journey towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Integrating Personal Values and Life Goals:
In heart-centered financial planning, your financial goals are directly linked to your life aspirations. Whether it’s spending more time with family, pursuing a passion project, or travelling the world, your financial plan should reflect these priorities. This alignment ensures that your financial decisions enhance your quality of life and contribute to your overall happiness.
Life Narrative and Financial Planning:
Think of your financial plan as a chapter in your life story. Each decision you make is a step towards the narrative you want to create. This perspective encourages you to make choices that not only secure your financial future but also enrich your life experiences. By focusing on your life narrative, you can craft a financial plan that supports your long-term happiness and personal fulfilment.
Practical Steps to Consider for a Career Change
1. Skill Assessment:
Start by evaluating your current skills and identifying what you truly enjoy doing. Take your specific job out of the equation and ask yourself, “What do I actually enjoy doing?” For example, if you enjoy helping customers, perhaps a sales position would be more fulfilling. If you’re the go-to person for tech support, a career in IT might be worth exploring. Identifying these skills can open up new, lucrative career paths that you might not have considered.
2. Continuous Learning:
If you’re lacking certain qualifications or experience, it’s never too late to upgrade your skills. Look for opportunities to build your talents into real professional skills while continuing in your current job. Consider online classes, certification programs, and volunteer opportunities. Engage with your professional network to find connections who have made similar career changes or who currently work in your target field.
3. Goal Setting:
Once you’ve identified the skills you want to develop or the career you want to transition into, set clear and actionable goals. Break these goals down into manageable steps and create a daily schedule to work towards them. For example, set aside time each day for online classes, reading up on the industry, or practicing new skills. Having a structured plan will help you stay committed and make steady progress towards your career change.
Balancing Financial Responsibilities While Pursuing a Career Change
Financial Planning: Balancing financial responsibilities while pursuing a career change can be challenging. It’s essential to create a financial plan that supports your current needs while allowing you to invest in your future. This might involve budgeting, saving, and making strategic financial decisions to ensure you can manage both your short-term and long-term goals.
Support Networks: Leverage your personal and professional networks for support. Friends, family, and colleagues can provide valuable advice, mentorship, and job opportunities. Connecting with others who have undergone similar career transitions can also offer inspiration and practical insights. Don’t hesitate to seek out mentors or join professional groups related to your desired career.
Resources for Career Changers
Online Platforms:
There are numerous online platforms that offer courses and certifications to help you build new skills. Websites like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and local community colleges provide accessible and affordable options for continuing education. These resources can help you gain the qualifications needed for your desired career.
Professional Networks:
Engage with professional networks and industry associations to expand your connections and learn about new opportunities. LinkedIn groups, networking events, and industry conferences can provide valuable insights and help you stay updated on trends in your target field. Networking is a powerful tool for career changers, as it can lead to job referrals, mentorship, and insider knowledge about the industry.
No Regrets
Viewing your life and career through a 100-year lens allows you to create a fulfilling and adaptable life plan. Heart-centred financial planning focuses on aligning your financial decisions with your personal values and life goals, ensuring that your financial journey supports your overall well-being. By taking practical steps towards a career change and balancing your financial responsibilities, you can create options for your future self and build a life that reflects your true aspirations. Download our eBook, “What is Real Life Financial Plan,” and contact us to start your journey towards a fulfilling life with no regrets.
General Advice Disclaimer Please note, the information provided herein is general in nature and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not intended as legal, tax, or personal advice. Always seek personalised financial advice to ensure your estate planning aligns with your unique situation and goals