A Lawyer at a Crossroads
Rafael, a legal consultant managing multinational outreach programs, has always prided himself on strategic thinking. He trains teams who support vulnerable groups in Spanish-speaking regions. His schedule requires travel, constant communication, and the ability to sort through complex situations quickly. Recently, though, he’s been rethinking his long-term path.
After leading a major workshop in Chile, he returned home feeling different — not burnt out, but unsettled. He keeps replaying a moment where a young volunteer asked him how he stays motivated. He gave a polished answer, but internally, he felt he was just going through the motions. The realization surprised him.
He mentioned it casually to a friend, saying he feels like he’s “at a fork in the road,” but the conversation ended before he could explore the thought further. Ever since, he’s been wondering whether he wants to continue expanding in his current role or shift toward something new. He hasn’t voiced these thoughts to anyone on his team, and he’s unsure why.
Questions
What factors make someone question their career direction even when they’re successful?
Why might someone hesitate to express uncertainty to colleagues?
How can internal questions become the starting point for meaningful decisions?
