What Was I Meant to Do?

Every once in a while—usually on a quiet morning, a long drive, or right after a day that kicks my ass—I ask myself the big question:

“What was I meant to do?”

And lately, I’ve been asking myself that more than ever.

I’ve been a recruiter for nearly 20 years. I’ve helped people change careers, rebuild confidence, relocate families, and land life-altering opportunities. I’ve seen the industry evolve, crash, rebuild, and reinvent itself more times than I can count.

As someone trying to launch his own company while still searching for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, at 53 years old, I still ask the question.

But today—in this marketplace, in this atmosphere, at this stage of my life—I find myself wondering… what am I supposed to do with all of the rejection?

When the expert becomes the job seeker

It’s a strange place to be.

For two decades, I’ve coached people through rejections, layoffs, pivots, doubt, and uncertainty. I’ve always been the steady voice in someone else’s storm.

But when the storm is mine? When am I allowed to be well...just for me.

When the emails say “we’ve decided to move forward with other candidates”?

When age, experience, and honesty work against me instead of for me?

It hits differently.

And it forces the question:

What was I meant to do… now? At 53.

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Your path is allowed to change

Here’s the truth I remind myself every day:

Your path isn’t supposed to look the same forever. Careers evolve. Purpose evolves. People evolve.

Maybe you shift industries.

Maybe you step into something new.

Maybe you build something of your own.

Maybe you discover a talent you didn’t know you had.

Maybe you decide that the version of “success” you used to chase isn’t the version that fits anymore.

Nothing says your purpose is locked into the past. You’re allowed to pivot at any age.

Purpose isn’t loud—it whispers

In nearly 20 years of working with people, one thing has stayed consistent:

Your purpose rarely shows up as a clear sign. It shows up as little clues:

• The work that still excites you

• The moments where helping someone feels natural

• The conversations that energize instead of drain

• The skills you use without thinking

• The impact you make without trying

Sometimes the thing you were “meant to do” isn’t a title—it’s a way you show up in the world.

What do you do with rejection?

You don’t let it define you. You let it redirect you.

Rejection doesn’t always mean “no. ”Sometimes it means:

“Not that path.” “Not that company.” “Not that version of you.”

It means there’s something else—something aligned, something overdue, something bigger—waiting on the other side.

I’ve told thousands of candidates that. And now I’m reminding myself.

You’re not starting over—you’re leveling up

If you’re in the same place I am—asking big questions, facing rejection, or feeling the weight of uncertainty—remember this:

You’re not too old. You’re not behind. You’re not done.

You are simply stepping into a new chapter.

Every loss, every pivot, every “we’ve chosen other candidates” is shaping the path you’re supposed to be walking next.

So what was I meant to do?

Maybe the answer isn’t a job.

Maybe it’s the impact you’ve made—and will keep making.

Maybe it’s the people you’ve helped.

Maybe it’s the stories you’ve lived.

Maybe it’s the resilience you’ve built.

Maybe it’s the next chapter you haven’t written yet.

Here’s what I do know:

You’re meant to evolve. You’re meant to rise again.

You’re meant to rediscover your value.

You’re meant to keep going—especially when rejection gets loud.

Purpose isn’t found.

Purpose is built—especially during the hard chapters.

And if you’re asking “What was I meant to do?”

It means you’re getting closer to the answer. At least I hope so.