Tackling the “Too Many Options” Dilemma for Senior Professionals
- Dr. Sharon Rudy
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Are you a senior global health professional overwhelmed by too many career options and trying to decide what to pursue next?
Are you a senior global health professional overwhelmed by too many career options and trying to decide what to pursue next? It's not indecision-it's the challenge of having a variety of expertise and many pathways ahead. You need a clear, step-by-step process to define your next move.
When I work with seasoned professionals, I emphasize a crucial step in career planning: creating a vision through deep self-reflection. This is critical for crafting a flexible, evolving career strategy that fits your life and focuses on what's best for "you".
Senior professionals often have diverse experience —leading teams, managing projects, and working with various stakeholders across multiple regions. It’s easy to shape your story in many ways, but having too many choices can paralyze progress. Sound familiar?
Self-reflection is the solution. Commit to this simple process: take a moment two to three times daily and ask yourself the following first two questions. Set an intention in the morning that answers will emerge to the questions. As a senior professional, also review what you learned about yourself and your preferences from past positions. It matters that you Sometimes, insight comes from reflecting on what we don’t want. It matters that you handwrite the answers. Don’t jump to conclusions; let the questions settle in during quiet moments. This part of the process requires answering four key questions to help you clarify the best professional environment and career path for your future. Here's the framework I recommend:
1. What do I love to do? What have I loved doing in the past?
Not every aspect of any job is perfect, and that's normal. But reflecting on your preferences, working styles, and the types of tasks or environments that energize or drain you can reveal valuable insights. Pay attention to what excites or frustrates you—whether working alone or in teams, routine tasks, or creative problem-solving. The answers lie not in the people or the work but the meaning and feelings that you attach to them.
2. What am I good at?
What are your gifts?, your strengths may not always align with what you love, and that’s okay. Reflect on the feedback you’ve received over the years and identify the areas where you naturally excel. Be intentional about acknowledging your strengths, even as you combat the brain’s negativity bias or imposter syndrome.
3. Where do I want to be geographically?
Where do you see yourself living and working? Consider not just your current situation but also potential locations that excite you. Whether it's a specific city, country, or region, thinking about where you want to be is essential to shaping your next move and a key sorting considerations for both employers and applicants.
4. What skills and knowledge are organizations willing to pay for?
This question takes some internet research. Look at industry trends, salary reports, and current job vacancies to understand what’s in demand. (Check out the Best Websites for GH jobs on my website). Explore the compensation packages, bonuses, sabbaticals, or special incentives available to senior professionals like you. Don’t be afraid to tap into your professional network for insights.
Now you have sufficient data to allow a vision to come into focus. A clear vision is the foundation for success. The job market may narrow as you rise in your career, but I’ve seen senior professionals so aligned with their purpose that opportunities were created just for them. The key is to be deliberate, focused, and proactive. Senior professionals must prioritize a concentrated vision to take control of their careers. It’s a good problem but one you can solve with clarity and intention.
If you are ready to create and execute your career strategy,
go to "SERVICES" and....... Let's GOOOOOO!!!!!
What else do you want to hear about??? Let me know at sharon@drsharonrudy.com. Feedback is welcome – Email me your questions and concerns.
THE GLOBAL HEALTH CAREER
A Practical Guide to Finding and Sustaining Your Place in a Changing Field
An essential guide to navigating global health careers with strategies for planning, networking, skill mastery, and achieving personal and professional goals.
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