Finding Freedom & Flexibility in Your Career
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Am I actually living the life I want?
So many of us follow the traditional career path without questioning whether it truly aligns with what we want. We go to school, get a job, climb the ladder, and keep moving forward because that’s what we were taught to do. But at some point, many of us wake up and realize we’ve built a career that doesn’t quite fit who we are anymore.
This was a major theme in my latest podcast episode of Destination Dream Job, where I had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Poquiz Burke about designing a career that aligns with your values, priorities, and personal life. If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or simply wondering what’s next for you, this conversation is for you.
The “Sow, Grow, Slow” Framework for Career Clarity
One of the best insights Kelly shared was the Sow, Grow, Slow framework, a simple way to identify what stage of your career you’re in so you can make decisions accordingly:
🌱 Sow – This is when you’re planting seeds for future growth. Maybe you’re learning new skills, going back to school, or transitioning into a new field. You’re making investments now that will pay off later.
🚀 Grow – This is your acceleration phase. You’re taking on leadership, pushing for promotions, or scaling a business. It’s the time when you’re going all-in on career growth.
⏸️ Slow – This is when you take your foot off the gas intentionally. Maybe you’re prioritizing family, dealing with personal challenges, or simply reassessing your career. Slowing down doesn’t mean stopping—it means making space for what matters.
What I love about this framework is that there’s no right or wrong stage to be in—only the right stage for you at this moment. Sometimes, we’re told we should always be growing, hustling, or chasing the next big thing. But in reality, every phase has value, and each one plays a role in creating a fulfilling career.
Why Freedom & Flexibility Matter
For me, my North Star—the thing I’m always striving for—is freedom and flexibility to do work I love. And I know I’m not alone in that.
Too often, we fall into jobs that feel fine but not fulfilling. We wake up, go to work, come home, and repeat the cycle without questioning if it truly aligns with what we want. But the reality is, work should fit into your life—not the other way around.
Kelly shared how taking a career break helped her gain clarity on what she actually wanted. Instead of just saying yes to whatever opportunities came her way, she used that time to get intentional about designing a career that aligned with her values and goals.
Redefining Career Success on Your Terms
If you’re feeling disconnected from your work, start by asking yourself these key questions:
🔎 What stage am I in right now—Sow, Grow, or Slow?
🔎 What are my core values, and does my current career align with them?
🔎 If I could design my career on my terms, what would that look like?
The answers to these questions will help you start making small shifts toward a career that feels more authentic and fulfilling.
If you want to dive deeper into this conversation, tune into my latest podcast episode with Kelly! We break down practical steps to align your career with your life, redefine success on your terms, and move toward a work-life balance that actually works for you.
🎧 Listen here: https://youtu.be/cdkilXm5MhE
And after you listen, I’d love to hear from you—what’s YOUR North Star? What’s driving your career decisions right now? Drop a comment below!
