Do you dream of having a fulfilling career but feel held back by the constraints of the traditional work environment? What if the key to happiness at work lies first in achieving professional freedom?
Imagine for a moment…
- Working on projects you are passionate about, without being constrained by rigid schedules or strict directives
- Choosing a career opportunity that fully aligns with you, whether it’s accepting a position with an employer who matches your values and needs, working as a consultant, taking a break to focus on personal projects, or starting your own business
- Selecting your clients, collaborators, and work environment according to your aspirations and priorities
- Managing your time as you see fit, harmoniously balancing professional and personal life
- Using your skills and expertise to support causes you care about, and making a positive contribution to society
We assure you that it is entirely possible!
In our work as recruiters, we have the privilege of meeting many passionate professionals in finance and accounting who have dared to take the step toward professional freedom. These pioneers demonstrate that a rich and fulfilling career is within reach.
Here are a few examples:
- One of our candidates, a CPA and Director of Finance, landed her dream job in May 2024, prioritizing quality of life and professional fulfillment over a salary increase. She made the choice that would allow her to achieve a motivating daily routine and develop in a healthy environment over the long term.
- Another candidate became his own boss mid-2023 by starting his own business, which is now rapidly expanding and recruiting top talent. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit from the start, he realized his dream, and his ambitions are now experiencing tremendous success.
- A candidate we’ve been in contact with for many years decided to become an independent consultant, using her diverse skills to serve various companies. She now enjoys great flexibility and a variety of stimulating assignments, filled with cross-disciplinary learning.
In the following lines, we offer you five keys to help you achieve greater freedom by making informed decisions based on your goals and aspirations:
- Capitalize on your experience
- Invest with passion
- Plan the future carefully
- Continue to develop continuously
- Give back
1.Capitalize on Your Wealth of Experiences and Learning
Often, when we reach the peak of our professional achievement, it’s because we’ve successfully leveraged the multitude of small lessons we’ve learned throughout our lives, which all work together in an integrated, synergistic manner. I deeply believe that in life, nothing is wasted and nothing happens by chance. Difficult periods are even interesting times of transformation, very conducive to many learnings that often make us even freer and happier afterward.
“Out of adversity comes opportunity.” – Benjamin Franklin
2. Invest in your Passion Daily
When you find your mission in life and each day is filled with meaning, the daily sacrifices transform into sources of energy and motivation. In this mindset, you will achieve your best performance, add the greatest value to your work, and be rewarded and compensated in line with your efforts.
- The key to finding your passion is knowing yourself well. What motivates you? What gives you energy? What are the areas that interest you the most and never bore you?
- It is also essential to keep in mind that when you give your best, day after day, in the present moment, the rewards (financial, notoriety, etc.) inevitably come. However, it is important not to expect instant results. The things that are most worthwhile take time to materialize.
By working each day with dedication, professionalism, and passion, you will transform your career into a source of personal fulfillment and financial freedom.
🗨️ Kenova can help you explore your passions and find your path. We offer a variety of tools and resources to help you know yourself better, identify your talents, and develop your skills.
3. Anticipate the Future : Plan for the Unexpected
Life is full of surprises. The choices we make today shape our freedom for tomorrow. That’s why it’s important to adopt a prudent and thoughtful approach, avoiding living to the maximum of our financial means just because our current situation seems to guarantee our future.
Did you know:
- 33% of Canadian workers lost their job at least once between 2020 and 2023, according to a report on the Canadian labor market by Statistics Canada, published in February 2024.
- 15% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported having a chronic illness in 2022 (Health and Wellness Survey, Statistics Canada, 2022).
- Only 49% of Canadian households had a written financial plan in 2024 (Financial Literacy Survey, Canada Revenue Agency, 2024).
Taking the time to plan your future and anticipate the unexpected can bring you great peace of mind. It allows you to live your life prepared for anything that might happen.
The goal here is not to live in a state of constant worry and dwell on the future, neglecting the present moment. Quite the opposite! It is precisely the ability to live fully in the present moment while confidently planning for the future that brings true freedom.
One of our excellent candidates is a great example of this. He was earning $180,000 per year, but he was willing to reduce his base salary to $150,000 for a job closer to home with fewer working hours, to adapt to his new family life. He understood that his balance was worth more than money.
For more advice on the subject, feel free to visit EducFinance.
4. Developing Relentlessly to Maximize Your Potential
In the 4.0 era, where the job market is transforming at a rapid pace, curiosity and versatility become major assets. Never stopping learning and pushing yourself will allow you to adapt to new challenges and seize emerging opportunities. By developing your skills and broadening your horizons, you will maximize your potential and increase your chances of standing out.
Here are some ways to help you continuously develop:
Acquire Additional Technical Skills:
- Master new software relevant to your field.
- Develop your skills in complex analysis.
- Learn to code to automate tasks, create innovative tools, and improve processes.
- Obtain professional certifications recognized in your industry.
Enhance Your Interpersonal Skills:
- Improve your written and verbal communication to interact effectively with colleagues, clients, and superiors.
- Develop your collaboration and teamwork skills to contribute positively to collective projects.
- Cultivate your emotional intelligence to better understand and manage human relationships.
Expand Your General Knowledge:
- Stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in your area of expertise.
- Read professional books and articles to deepen your knowledge.
- Participate in conferences and workshops to expand your network and discover new perspectives.
Develop Your Entrepreneurial Spirit and Business Acumen:
- Be proactive and take initiatives to learn new things and develop your skills.
- Be open to new challenges and opportunities.
- Have confidence in your abilities and value as a professional.
It’s also beneficial to acquire transferable skills, which are essential for navigating a rapidly transforming world. The rise of artificial intelligence is changing the professional landscape, rendering some jobs obsolete and creating new ones. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate skills that will enable you to adapt to these changes and remain competitive in the job market.
Here are some examples:
- Critical Thinking and Complex Problem Solving: Develop the ability to analyze complex situations, identify innovative solutions, and make sound decisions.
- Adaptability and Agility: Know how to quickly adapt to changes, learn new skills, and retrain if necessary.
- Emotional Intelligence and Collaboration: Build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and work harmoniously in teams.
- Creativity and Innovation: Generate new ideas, find original solutions, and propose novel approaches.
- Mastery of Digital and Emerging Technologies: Program, analyze data, use digital tools to automate tasks, and improve efficiency, and learn to utilize AI.
5. Paying it Forward
Achieving a high degree of financial maturity means being able to meet your daily needs, save for the future and unforeseen events, while also having the capacity to share generously with those who have less. At this stage, you gain true freedom of action: dedicating yourself to your passions, contributing positively to society, and leading a more fulfilling and enriching life filled with meaning.
Beyond the financial aspect, giving is not just about money. Sharing your time through mentoring, volunteering, donating, or imparting your knowledge is just as valuable. It’s about leaving a positive and lasting impact behind.
We encourage you to dare to build a customized professional future by adopting a proactive and balanced approach. Capitalize on your skill set, fully invest in the present moment with passion and determination, carefully plan for the future, continually develop your skills, and pay it forward. This is how you will reach the best version of yourself and remain adaptable to the future.
The next step is now in your hands! We hope you will take full control to become completely free to choose what you have always dreamed of. ✨
Marie-Eve Cloutier, CRHA
