Time, Meaning, and Happiness: Finding Purpose in Product Management
As women in product management, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, life, and everything in between. At work, we’re often balancing the day to day tasks, team leadership, career transitions, and personal goals all at once. With so much going on, it's crucial to pause and reflect on the bigger questions that shape our lives: What is the meaning of our work? How do we find happiness in the chaos?
Finding Meaning in Your Career
When you’re navigating your career in product management, it’s important to consider how you want to be remembered. What legacy are you building? These questions help us create a sense of purpose.
For many of us, the purpose of life is closely tied to happiness. But what does happiness look like? According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the purpose of life is to be happy. It’s about freedom from the mental afflictions—thoughts, emotions, beliefs—that cloud our judgement. As a career coach for product managers, I aim to help others find their happiness, whether that’s through overcoming career challenges or achieving work-life balance - however you define that.
Time and Happiness: The '4000 Weeks' Concept
Have you heard of the concept of ‘four thousand weeks’? That’s the average amount of time we have in our lives to do everything we want. And usually our lives follow a similar pattern:
We spend a third of our lives in education (around 21 years)
We spend half of our lives at work (around 40 years)
It’s essential to remember that time is finite. Finding meaning in your work and taking control of your career path is key to achieving long-term happiness. So it follows that if you’ve worked in product management for 20 years and want to make a career change, it’s not too late. Don’t waste your time on unfulfilling roles.
And you don’t have to wait until retirement to start living your best life.
How to Create Happiness in Product Management
Achieving happiness in your product management career doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your entire life. Sometimes, small changes can lead to big results. Here are a few steps to help you find meaning and happiness in your work:
Prioritise What Matters: Focus on the tasks and projects that align with your values and long-term career goals. Whether you're getting into product management or levelling up in your current role, ensuring your work aligns with your personal goals is essential for finding fulfilment.
Seek Out Support: Career coaching for product managers can provide clarity and guidance on your next steps. A coach can help you navigate transitions, develop new skills, and set clear goals for your future.
Take Time to Reflect: Amidst the busyness of product management, make time to reflect on your purpose. Ask yourself: Are you focusing on the things that truly matter in your career and life?
Conclusion: Don't Wait to Find Your Happiness
In the world of product management, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle. But don’t wait for a major life event to remind you of what’s important. Whether you’re making career transitions or developing your skills as a product manager, remember that time is finite. Take control of your career, find your purpose, and create happiness in your work now.
