Adventure’s Role in Long Working Lives

Embracing adventure is not a diversion from a serious career; it is essential for renewing a work life over decades.

Lynda Gratton

April 27, 2026

Reading Time: 9 min 

Topics: Leadership, Workplace Culture, Career Management

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However, when individuals reflect on their careers, they frequently highlight the adventures that have shaped their professional identities.

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Why Adventure Matters

Leaders often overlook adventure as a vital aspect of their working lives, viewing it as frivolous or too personal. However, when individuals reflect on their careers, they frequently highlight the adventures that have shaped their professional identities.

Adventure disrupts established patterns, expands our potential, and creates significant markers throughout our lives. In my exploration of how people approach their careers, I often reflect on my own experiences over five decades. What stands out are not just the roles and achievements but the transformative moments of adventure that took me beyond my usual experiences.

These adventures, which at the time felt uncertain or even disruptive, now appear as pivotal experiences that shaped my career. From hitchhiking in Israel as a graduate student to exploring Africa in my 50s, these moments were not mere diversions; they were foundational to my professional journey.

Disruption and Growth As we navigate longer working lives, the need for reinvention becomes critical.

Disruption and Growth

As we navigate longer working lives, the need for reinvention becomes critical. Adventure plays a key role in this process. It challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, whether by immersing ourselves in different cultures or taking on unfamiliar roles. Such experiences force us to reassess our habits and assumptions, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves.

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For instance, consider a senior executive who leaves a stable position to work in a small venture abroad. This experience not only broadens her skill set but also reshapes her perspective on her industry and capabilities.

Identity Expansion

Adventure also expands our sense of identity. Research suggests that our understanding of possible selves—how we envision our future selves—can be influenced by new experiences. Engaging in adventure allows us to explore different facets of our identity, making these possibilities more tangible.

When we step into the unknown, we often discover new strengths and capabilities, enriching our professional lives.

Creating Lasting Memories

Adventures create significant markers in our life narratives. They become reference points that help us make sense of our past and guide our future choices. These experiences often signify transitions, marking shifts in our identities that we cannot fully revert from.

To adapt, organizations must embrace a multistage life approach, allowing for exploration and adventure throughout careers.

For example, revisiting a place like Petra years later can evoke memories of personal growth and change, illustrating how our experiences shape our understanding of ourselves.

The Organizational Challenge

Despite the benefits of adventure, organizations often discourage it as careers progress. This reflects a traditional model of continuous work that prioritizes efficiency and predictability. However, as working lives extend into the 60s and 70s, this model becomes increasingly unsustainable.

To adapt, organizations must embrace a multistage life approach, allowing for exploration and adventure throughout careers. This shift is essential for fostering resilience and adaptability in an evolving workforce.

In conclusion, as we face longer working lives, embracing adventure is not just beneficial; it is necessary for personal and professional renewal.