What’s Next?

When my mom turned 40, she had three children (including an infant) and a successful career in the performing arts.

Being a singer and dancer had always been her dream. She fought tooth and nail to make that dream a reality. She’d done it for 20 years.

But dreams can change.

At 40, she was tired of physically grueling auditions, rehearsals, and performances. Many nights, she’d get home long after my siblings and I went to bed. The hustle she once loved didn’t feel enlivening anymore.

She wanted a new season in her career. Something different.

“What’s next?” she wondered. She didn’t have a clear vision.

Over the next year, my mom took 50 people out for coffee. One per week.

Each time, she sat down with a friend, colleague, or mentor and asked, “What’s new?” “What are you working on lately?” “What’s lighting you up?” She also shared, “I’m ready for a career change and open to new ideas.”

She figured, “If I’m stuck in a rut and don’t know what’s next, the best thing to do is talk to people doing interesting work and expose myself to new possibilities.”

50 coffee dates later, mom applied for a teaching position at a community college in their vocal department … which led to meeting a songwriter named Anais Mitchell … which led to producing a Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway show, Hadestown.

Her career unfolded in surprising directions. It all started with a willingness to take one person out for a latte.

As I head towards my 40th birthday, I’m feeling eerily similar to my mom. Hungry for a new season in my career. But what? I’m not sure.

For now, I will follow in her footsteps and simply let people know, “I’m open to new possibilities.”

Who knows where one conversation may lead?

-Alex

PS. Reach out to someone you admire. Ask, “What’s lighting you up these days?” You may learn about a project, idea, or opportunity that pulls you in a direction you never expected.