🌍 Should you care about your values?

As long as I can remember, I’ve lived this value.

But not because I knew it consciously. The best way I can describe it: The value expressed itself through me, until I became conscious of it. Until all made sense.

For most of my twenties, I lived out of a suitcase. It was just effortless to move countries that way.

I don’t like to own a property, let alone one with a mortgage attached.

My partner and I have been together for 9 years now, unmarried.

I’d love to have a dog, really, I do. But I know it would tie me into a rhythm that would be restrictive. I just know.

What’s my #1 core value?

I live this value in almost all live areas. Almost.

But not in this one: my career.

I didn’t take a year off between high school and university. It would kill my chances.

I chose “business” as a subject, because it was sensible.

I worked for corporate.

When I finally landed in social impact, I took on more responsibility and bigger roles, worked longer hours, and managed more people … because that’s what you do.

Until I didn’t anymore.

When in 2019 - after a relocation, a depression caused by an identity crisis and a lot of soul-searching with a coach - I started a new chapter.

My coaching business.

The start of my portfolio career and life.

Now, I set my schedule. I don’t take calls on Monday.

I move my schedule around every few months because I like that.

Everyone says: You need to scale your business fast to earn more.

Nope! Look, I’m not against reaching more people with my work, but not the traditional way (more work; less time).

I could have earned more money in the last three years from a full-time job.

Yet, I’m so deeply happy.

That’s what your core value is:

It resonates deeply.

It’s a core truth about who you are.

It’s the core of how you make decisions in the world. And when it gets violated, you feel it … maybe as a frustration, tension, unhappiness, dissatisfaction …

But, Simone, really, why should I care about my core value?

The other day, I coached a leadership client facing a dilemma at work. She started a high-profile role, and her new colleagues scheduled a meeting. They wanted to know more about how her former employer (a key competitor) is doing business. She oozed unease as she sat across from me on Zoom. It didn’t take long to identify one of her values. When she realised, she found a way forward that honoured this value and her new role.

These are two very different examples of when values come into play.

In a career transition, values provide an anchor. You might feel self-doubt and confusion about who you are professionally. You might feel an identity being stripped away. But at the heart, your values are the same - at home and work. They are the stable foundation that helps you make decisions. They are your compass at sea.

In a leadership role, values guide your decision-making and help you find your style and boundaries. You want to perform and belong. Yet, you might get contradictory advice or be asked to do things that don't feel right. Values help you find your way.

Values help you make sense of your identity.

Of who you are and what you want to stand for.

Do you know your #1 core value, ?

Looking at values is among 16 exercises in my Your Career Reset group cohort. The first cohort is ending this week. In just over a week, I’ve seen my participants’ mindset shifts and realisations of what core things they want next in their careers. The truths are surfacing. I’ve decided to rerun this. The next edition starts Tuesday, 7 April. Click here for info. Or read the learnings from cohort 1 here.

Simone

P.S: Did you guess my #1 core value? It’s freedom.

Upcoming events:

Join Career Sparks, a free career Q&A for international professionals in impact. The next date is 3 April, 2025. Whether it’s a live, concrete issue or the inkling of a career transition idea, Join me on the first Thursday of the month for a free, 60-minute call to get your questions answered. RSVP here.
On Tue, 8 April, the second cohort for Your Career Reset starts again. A 10-day focused, supportive group programme for social impact professionals, who are in a (sudden) career transition. Led by me, Simone Anzboeck, and with guest speaker Stephanie Mansueto, a U.S.-based job hunt coach. Regain clarity, build momentum, and create a plan – without burnout. From Tuesday 8th – Thursday, 17th April 2025; 9 am PST / 12 pm EST / 5 pm GMT. Via Zoom. Read this page for the full details before signing up.

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