I originally posted this short piece about career transitions on February 24, 2020.  Little did I or anyone else know at the time that a global pandemic would strike in the coming weeks and, among other things, cost millions their jobs.  Sadly, the message of this post is more relevant than ever but I hope it provides some helpful perspective during difficult times. 

During the course of your career, there will be times when your job or project makes you feel like you caught the perfect wave.  When that happens, revel in the ride.  Professionally there’s nothing better.

But just like every wave eventually breaks at the shoreline, no job or project lasts forever.  Inevitably you will need to paddle back out to find the next big one.  Paddling is hard work, but it makes you stronger and better.

Riding and paddling are two sides of the same coin for everyone who surfs or works hard to build a career.  And at times trying to navigate your career can feel as daunting as finding the next big wave in an ocean that refuses to crest.

Always be mindful of both conditions.  If you’re fortunate enough to be riding a wave, lend a hand to the paddler whenever you can.  We’re all surfers.