I’ve always had live plants in my office. There’s a bunch of reasons. They are pretty, they have a calming effect, and they produce oxygen. All those things being true, there is one more important reason. Plants are the perfect metaphor for a healthy, rewarding career.

As a career coach, I work with people who feel stuck. They’ve failed to network and grow professionally. They have planted their career in neglected soil. Just like a wilting philodendron, depleted workers are starving for sustenance.

This is not entirely your fault (if you can relate). Perhaps some of these are factors:

• You get the evil eye when you leave at 5 p.m. (or whenever your standard workday ends).
• Your co-workers (and leadership) brag about needing little sleep.
• Training or certificate programs that feed your passions (but are not directly related to your current position) are not reimbursable or allowed.
• Your well-being and career are secondary to the mission of the organization and/or profits.
• 
  

Because you need to pay your bills and meet your obligations, you put your head down and work. You don’t do the things that would nurture your health and your soul. You are not feeding yourself, your career, or your potential future.

Generally, there are two avenues out of the dead plant zone. One is an internal awakening—a realization that you cannot keep trudging forth. You are empty and worn out. The other path is even more detrimental. It’s the wake-up call of an accident, serious illness, or getting fired.

So, what do you do? The first step is to realize you have a choice. Start making small incremental shifts in both your focus and your activities. Take a career self-assessment that will enlighten your awareness of who you are and what you want.

Envision yourself thriving, healthy, and beautiful. Give yourself the care and the attention you need and deserve. And, maybe buy a stunning plant for inspiration.