Growing up in South Africa
Growing up in an affluent part of town, certain questions became a part of my daily life from an early age. At school, the inquiries were predictable: “What does your dad do?” When I answered, “Used car dealer,” the responses were pained expressions as if they had swine flu that hadn’t gone away after two weeks. “Where do you live?” would be the next question, and upon mentioning a good suburb, their expressions would change as quickly as with an extra dose of Tamiflu.
As I transitioned from school to the workforce, the questions evolved into “What are you studying?” Years into my career, the cycle of questions continues, whether I’m alongside the kids’ sports fields, around a braai fire, or on a plane: “What do you do?” “What do you do?” “What do you do?”
The World of Work in South Africa
In a country grappling with high unemployment and rising living costs, the reality of work is complex. While many are thankful just to have jobs that sustain their families, a deeper dissatisfaction lingers regarding the impact of their work.
Demographics of Dissatisfaction
The demographics of dissatisfaction vary across different age groups. For some 30-year-olds, career progress is often hindered by Employment Equity regulations, and many others having been steered into careers by their parents aiming for optimal success rather than personal fulfillment. Those between 35 and 45 made promises during COVID-19 to be more intentional about the impact of their work, yet three years later, many find themselves in the same place. Individuals aged 55 to 60 face retirement with the haunting question, “Was it worth it?” affecting their leisure pursuits like golf. For 75-year-olds, they can financially retire for the first time but, after 50 years of work, struggle to find new purposes.
The Adventure of Half-Time Course
For individuals across these demographics, the Adventure Institute has launched “The Adventure of Half-Time” course. This initiative aims to address the dissatisfaction and open new paths for personal and professional growth.
Participants of the inaugural session reported transformative experiences, highlighting blind spots being revealed, significant changes being ushered in, and new potential futures coming into view.
We invite you to join the next installment of the Adventure of Half-Time, to be held at the beautiful Phahama Lodge. Email me at boshoff@adventureinstitute.co.za for the next date. Discover how you can turn your career dissatisfaction into a journey of self-discovery and meaningful impact.
