Ask the Mentor

Welcome to “Ask the Mentor,” your go-to spot for real talk about work, life, and everything in between. This column is all about tackling your toughest questions with practical advice and stories from people who’ve been there. This month, we’re answering questions from Jasmine, Samantha, Tessa, and Alicia. So, let’s take a moment together and sort through these challenges together.

1. I’m considering a career change at 40. Any advice? – Jasmine

Changing careers at 40 can feel like a big leap, but it’s also a powerful chance to pursue something more aligned with your passions and skills. Here’s how to navigate this transition:

• Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, interests, and values. For instance, I once worked with a woman named Priya, who was a teacher for 20 years. She realized she loved mentoring young adults more than teaching in a classroom. This insight led her to transition into career counseling, where she now helps students navigate their own career paths.
• Upskill: Identify the skills needed in your new field and invest in acquiring them.
• Networking: Utilize your existing network and build new connections in your desired industry.
• Start Small: Consider testing the waters with side gigs or part-time work before fully committing. For example, Sneha, who was in corporate finance, wanted to pursue writing. She began by freelancing on weekends, building a portfolio of work that eventually allowed her to transition to a full-time writing career.

2. What strategies can help me overcome imposter syndrome? – Samantha

Imposter syndrome can be a tough hurdle, but it’s something many successful people experience. Here are some strategies to manage it:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: Understand that imposter syndrome is common and doesn’t reflect your actual abilities. For example, I worked with a senior executive, Meera, who constantly felt she wasn’t deserving of her success despite her achievements. By recognizing these feelings as imposter syndrome, she was able to manage them rather than letting them control her.
• Reframe Your Thoughts: Instead of focusing on what you lack, emphasize what you’re learning. Meera worked on reframing her thoughts from “I’m not good enough and I do not deserve this” to “I’m working hard and earning my success,” which helped her gain confidence and grow into her role.
• Document Your Achievements: Keep track of your accomplishments, big and small, to remind yourself of your capabilities.
• Seek Support: Discuss your feelings with a mentor, coach, or trusted colleague.

3. What’s the best way to handle microaggressions in the workplace? – Tessa

Microaggressions can be subtle yet damaging, so it’s important to address them effectively:

• Address It Directly: If you feel comfortable, calmly confront the person who made the remark. For example, Maya, a marketing professional, once experienced a colleague making a stereotype-laden joke about her cultural background. She responded by saying, “I don’t think that’s appropriate,” which opened up a conversation about respect and sensitivity.
• Document the Incident: Keep a record of microaggressions, including details like dates, times, and what was said or done. This approach helped a client of mine, Neha, who was repeatedly facing dismissive comments in meetings. When the issue escalated, she had documented evidence to support her case when she reported it to HR.
• Seek Allies: Find colleagues who can support you in addressing these issues.
• Report When Necessary: If the behavior persists or is severe, report it to HR or a trusted supervisor.

4. I’m feeling stuck in life. How do I rediscover my passion and purpose? – Alicia

Feeling stuck can be a signal that it’s time for change. Here are some ways to rediscover your passion and purpose:

• Reflect on Your Values: Take time to think about what truly matters to you.
• Try New Things: Sometimes, reigniting your passion requires stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. For instance, Rani, a mid-level manager, felt trapped in the monotony of his daily work. She started attending workshops in fields she was curious about, such as photography and creative writing, which she had always wanted to explore but never had the time for. These new experiences not only brought joy back into her life but also helped her discover a love for storytelling, which she later incorporated into her professional work by leading creative projects.
• Set Small Goals: Break down your path into small, achievable steps. One client, Anu, felt stuck in her career but didn’t know where to start. Together, we set small goals, such as enrolling in a new course and attending industry networking events. These small steps helped her build momentum, and within a year, she had transitioned into a role she was passionate about.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Sometimes, working with a coach or therapist can provide the clarity you need.

-Dr. Abha Bhartia is a DEI and L& D Consultant with 22+ years in the industry. She is a certified coach. She designs and facilitate customised training programs that focus on a range of topics, from soft skills to leadership development.