Inspired by a recent conversation about career choices, I was reflecting on the power of the words people use when it comes to describing who they are at work. We all know that personal brand is important; it helps us with our business and our career prospects. It is your reputation, what people say about you when you aren’t in the room. However, today I want to challenge your version of personal branding. If you find that you are not in a career that you enjoy, now is the time to make more rebellious career choices.

There is real power in words; the ones we tell ourselves and that others use. We have all been in the room, I imagine, where we see an assertive person being called a leader, whilst another person is called bossy! Now, let’s imagine what happens when you make that judgement calls on yourself! I recently asked people on my social media channels if they would rather be described as BRAVE or REBELLIOUS when they think about their career.  The answers were mixed, but the overwhelming theme was that brave seemed positive and rebellious seemed negative. I grabbed my dictionary and dug a little deeper into what these words actually mean:

• Brave: having or showing courage, resolution or daring
• Rebellious: reject accepted conventions

OK, now, let’s pull these apart even more. Those that are rebellious, by definition, reject conventions, the “proper behaviour” that society expects. The brave show courage, “facing danger without fear” and resolution; they are firm on their purpose; they are finding their why!

I would argue that these two elements are interrelated; once you understand what you want to, what is important to you, and how you want to live, you find a path that many other see as rejecting conventions. Often this means redefining what personal and professional success looks like, re-evaluating your relationship and changing your boundaries.

A brave person creates a rebellious career!

Many people that I know that would be described as having a rebellious career probably would not describe their choices that way. However, they often have something in common. The solid belief that they needed to make a change. That the status quo just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Their catalyst can vary:

• Driven by unfairness
• The need for change
• A desire for social justice
• Wish for better balance

It can all be summed up as a “life is too short” moment. A life-changing event or that is the trigger to re-evaluate everything!

Whenever behaviour is seen as a change from the norm – deep-set beliefs and values of a family, culture, company or society – it’s a rejection of expectations, stereotypes and the restriction it can provide. This can make others feel uncomfortable; they may even feel that you are somehow rejecting them or criticizing their life decisions. Just remember that change is difficult! It is not always personal.

What made change possible and sustainable, is the understanding of WHY; it gives you the focus and the backbone to live by YOUR standards, rather than conventions that may hold you back.

You may be having your “life is too short” moment right now. The final straw may have been the global crisis, or it could be something very personal. Either way now is the time to start making plans to create your rebellious career.

Where will you start?

Check out the latest online group workshop to help you build your rebellious career. You can also join over 500 people looking to create a career to enjoy!

Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time you created a career to enjoy?