In the course of our careers, we all encounter moments when we question our existence, purpose, and the meaning behind all of this 'work'. This profound state of self-reflection, commonly known as an existential crisis, can be both disorienting and enlightening. It compels us to explore the depths of our identity, values, and aspirations, and can ultimately lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the next steps for our career. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of an existential career crisis, offering insights and guidance on how to navigate through this transformative experience.

Understanding the Essence of an Existential Crisis

At its core, an existential crisis is a period marked by deep contemplation and anxiety about the fundamental questions of existence. Who am I? What is the purpose of life? Is there meaning to all of this? These questions often arise when we confront significant life transitions, such as graduating college, experiencing loss, or entering mid-life. The weight of these uncertainties can leave us feeling overwhelmed and questioning our belief systems.

Embracing the Paradoxes

Rather than viewing an existential career crisis as a negative experience, it can be helpful to reframe it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. If you're honest with yourself, that's all it is; a point in time in which you are unsure about the next chapter of your work and your career. Have you ever been in that position before? Sure you have. Did you figure it out? Of course you did. Name it, own it, and then get to work figuring 'it' out. It is YOUR job and YOUR career after all. It doesn't have to be a paralyzing or fearful time if you remind yourself of that fact.

Identifying an Existential Crisis in Career

An existential crisis in a career context often manifests when we start to question the value and meaning behind our work. This could emerge when we feel unfulfilled by our job, disconnected from our chosen career path, or stuck in a state of monotony and routine. The gnawing question, "Is this all there is?" begins to echo in our minds.

Unlike a general existential crisis, which is more about understanding our place in the universe, an existential career crisis is specifically about our professional life. It is tied closely to job satisfaction and the impact of our work on our self-identity. We may begin to question if we're in the right field, whether our work aligns with our core values, or if our career is contributing positively to society. Many times, this kind of crisis can lead to a career change or a radical shift in professional priorities.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of an existential career crisis is crucial to address it effectively. These symptoms are internal, personal, and may vary from person to person. However, there are some common signs that indicate you may be experiencing this type of crisis.

• Consistently feeling unsatisfied in your current job: Regardless of professional achievements or rewards, you constantly feel unfulfilled and unhappy about your job.
• Consistent lack of motivation: You struggle to find the enthusiasm and motivation to complete your work tasks, and procrastination becomes a common occurrence.
• Questioning the meaning of your work: You repeatedly question the significance of your work and its contribution to society, and you struggle to find a sense of purpose in what you do.
• Imposter Syndrome: Despite your accomplishments, you can't shake the feeling that you're not skilled enough, or that you don't belong in your current career position.
• Feeling disconnected or disengaged: You feel emotionally disconnected from your work, your colleagues, and the entire work environment.
• Unhealthy stress or anxiety about work: You experience constant stress or anxiety related to your job. This might also manifest as disturbed sleep, changes in appetite, or other physical symptoms.

These 'symptoms' could be an indicator... or they could be nothing at all. It's relative to the individual. That's where understanding your baseline comes in.

Understanding Your Baseline

Understanding your baseline, in the context of an existential career crisis, means being cognizant of your standard patterns of behavior, emotions, and thought processes in your professional life. This involves a deep introspection into your typical levels of job satisfaction, motivation, engagement, and stress. Are you naturally a high achiever who thrives in high-pressure environments? Or do you find fulfillment in a steady, predictable work schedule? Recognizing these patterns helps you define your 'normal' or baseline state.

When you experience an existential career crisis, your current feelings and behaviors A)  significantly deviate from this baseline AND B) don't resolve back to your baseline naturally. For instance, you may find that the high-pressure work environment you previously thrived in now leads to burnout or feelings of dissatisfaction. Or, the steady, predictable routine that once provided comfort might now evoke a sense of monotony or lack of purpose.

Comparing your baseline with your present feelings can provide valuable insights into the nature and depth of your existential career crisis. If you find a substantial disparity between your baseline and your current state, it might indicate a need for change. This shift could be a change in your job role, a reevaluation of your career goals, or even a complete career change.

Remember, the journey through an existential career crisis is deeply personal and multifaceted. What matters most is your understanding of your own baseline and how it compares to your current feelings and recent past experiences. Acknowledging these differences is the first step in resolving the crisis and regaining control of your career path.

Seek Support and Connection

While grappling with these thoughts and emotions may feel like a solitary toil, it is essential to seek support and connection. Talking to trusted mentors, colleagues, friends, or family members can provide a safe space for self-expression and offer different perspectives on career and job experience.

Come Up with an Individual Development Plan

In thirty minutes or less of thoughtful self-reflection, you can craft an individual development plan and take control of your existential career crisis. This strategy should be designed to realign your professional life with your core values, aspirations, and personal strengths.

1. Self-Assessment: Begin by conducting a thorough self-assessment. Revisit your core values, passions, interests, strengths, and areas for improvement. Determine what truly motivates you in a professional setting and what kind of work aligns with your values.
2. Vision Statement: Based on your self-assessment, craft a vision statement for your career. This statement should reflect where you envision yourself in the future, the type of work you want to be doing, and the impact you want to make through your career.
3. Goal Setting: Set realistic, measurable, and time-bound career goals that align with your vision statement. These goals should guide your professional growth and lead you towards your envisioned future.
4. Skill Development: Identify the skills and competencies you need to achieve your goals. These might be technical skills related to your profession or soft skills like leadership, communication, or adaptability. Consider seeking resources to enhance these skills.
5. Action Plan: Develop a specific action plan to achieve each goal. This might include tasks like seeking a mentor for guidance, initiating networking activities, or embarking on a job search in a new industry.
6. Monitoring Progress: Regularly review your goals and the progress you've made towards achieving them. Are you still aligned with your vision statement? If not, what adjustments do you need to make in your approach?

Remember, navigating through an existential career crisis often requires time, patience, and resilience. It's essential to remain flexible and open to new possibilities. By taking incremental steps towards your career goals, you can gradually regain motivation and emerge from the crisis with a renewed sense of purpose and direction in your professional life.

In Conclusion

While an existential crisis can be a challenging and emotionally demanding experience, it holds immense transformative potential. Through self-reflection, exploration of existential philosophies, seeking support, realigning with core values, and embracing the uncertainties, we may find ourselves emerging from the crisis with a newfound sense of purpose and meaning. This journey is an invitation to understand ourselves better, to embrace our vulnerabilities, and ultimately to shape our lives in a way that resonates deeply with our true selves. Remember, an existential crisis is not a problem to be solved, but an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.