Where do you see yourself five years from now?

In 15 years of my career as an HR Practitioner, this was my go-to question after ‘Tell me about yourself’. Interestingly though. I wasn’t asked this question in my interview. The first time I was asked this question was during college, by a friend. For lack of a better answer and the only conviction I had at that point in time, I replied- Five years from now I think I should be married. I remember the disappointment of my friend who was expecting me to come up with some clear cut career goals. 

The the second time I was asked the same question was by my mentor almost five years later. I wasn’t married and so when she asked me this question about ‘Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?’, my answer was the same. Married and then let’s see.

Unlike my friend, she did not get frustrated or disappointed. My friend, who like my mentor saw me for my potential, was caught unaware when he realized the intent missing. For me on the other hand, I was practising a script handed down to me, in which Marriage was an important part of the big schematics.

The conversation,  as I remember it then took a shift between me and my mentor-

Mentor (very patiently)- Ok, Post marriage do you see yourself working or pursuing a career?

Me- Yes,  but I don’t know whether I will continue to be in the same city or will be required to shift? So can not say.

Mentor- (I guess by now she was also getting desperate)  What if, post-marriage you continue to remain in the same city and can pursue your kind of career? What then?

With that question there was a  shift in mindset, a sort of an epiphany. I realized that I am not a factor of destiny. I can shape my own. In simple words, I think that was the first time I started thinking of the possibility of planning my future my way.

This is exactly how vision works. You might need help to ask the right questions. You also might need people to believe in you more than you yourself. My story here suggested that I had both. My mentor helped me find my vision and I found champions who supported me, mostly because they saw the conviction.

So the next time when you are asked this question, do not be afraid to answer. Try asking yourself these questions and answering it without any buts or if. More often than not,  a picture will start to form for you to achieve. That my friend is your Vision.