APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here she gives advice to a reader who has been diagnosed with autism.
Q. I work for a finance company in a fairly junior role, despite being in my 40s.
My job has its moments of stress, but thankfully, I don’t have to work long hours.
I earn enough to be able to live, although, with two kids, I don’t have cash left over for luxuries.
However, it feels like all my colleagues – especially the younger ones – are constantly looking for the next challenge or promotion, and my manager is always asking me what areas I want to develop into.
She’s recently made a few comments about not getting over-comfortable in a role, and I’m worried my perceived lack of ambition could mean I lose my job.
Do you have any advice?
Catherine, via email
A. It sounds like you have a good balance with your work and personal life, so try not to get caught up in comparing yourself to your colleagues.
As we go through our working lives, our priorities change and younger team members may have a different focus from you.
If you’re worried about your lack of ambition affecting your job, have an honest conversation with your manager.
Address their comments about not becoming too comfortable in your role, and express your satisfaction and enjoyment with your current workload and responsibilities.
Be mindful that while being content is good, you don’t want to be left behind.
The ways we work are changing with tech advancements, AI tools etc, so make sure you’re getting training so you can stay current and incorporate these tools into your job where necessary.
Remember that everyone’s career path is unique, and prioritising happiness and work-life balance is important, too.
