What do you do if your passion for environmental consulting starts to wane?

Feeling a drop in your passion for environmental consulting, or any field you're deeply invested in, is a natural part of the journey. It's a reflection of the complex and often slow-moving nature of the work, especially in a field as intricate and layered as environmental advocacy and consulting, where progress can sometimes feel like an uphill battle against a multitude of varying and powerful interests. Remember, each small win matters, and discussing these issues is a step forward. Your work lays the foundation for future change. Persist, celebrate small victories, and know your efforts contribute to a larger goal. Stay inspired by the impact, even when it's gradual.

Reflect on why you entered the environmental field. Like me, perhaps the dissonance of marketing products that exacerbated the climate crisis, from the confines of towering New York corporate offices, felt misaligned with your values. Those skyscrapers provided invaluable business acumen, yet transitioning to environmental advocacy felt right, driven by purpose. This shift is crucial in our time. Collective effort can address critical environmental challenges within our lifetime. Remembering our 'why' is vital, especially during tough moments where we’re losing sight of the bigger picture.

Feeling stagnant or plateauing in your role isn't a sign to quit but a signal you might be ready for the next chapter in the environmental sector, essentially leveling up. Consider embracing new, challenging projects, pursuing further education alongside work, or launching a relevant side hustle. These are strategies I've personally adopted to deepen my engagement and commitment. Pushing yourself, especially when feeling a bit lost, can make a significant difference, despite the daunting challenges of this sector. The effort is undoubtedly rewarding.

Sometimes the best way to feel more connected to the environmental sector and your consulting work is to get outside and remember what it is you’re working to conserve, protect and restore. For me, that means spending as much time underwater as it does on land. We are all busy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make time for the things that matter most, and the balance needs to be prioritized in order to deliver your best work. I can say with full certainty, now that I have a balance where I’m outdoors just as much as I am behind a computer, I’m a much happier, productive and committed version of me. I highly recommend trying it!

There are so many new and exciting environmental roles out there. There’s so much of our world unexplored. There’s so much potential all around us. I can say this with full certainty because my team and I are traveling around the world for 2 years meeting people on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Since starting our expedition 9 months ago, we’ve met people with incredible roles and positions—it’s opened our eyes to what’s out there and what’s possible. If you feel stuck or disengaged, start looking to others who have roles you’re keen to explore, and know that the potential is limitless! You just have to be willing to put yourself out there in the name of your work and career.

There are so many new and exciting environmental roles out there. There’s so much of our world unexplored. There’s so much potential all around us. I can say this with full certainty because my team and I are traveling around the world for 2 years meeting people on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Since starting our expedition 9 months ago, we’ve met people with incredible roles and positions—it’s opened our eyes to what’s out there and what’s possible. If you feel stuck or disengaged, start looking to others who have roles you’re keen to explore, and know that the potential is limitless! You just have to be willing to put yourself out there in the name of your work and career.