Scaling Down to Find Meaning with Rick Foerster

TKS Podcast #37

Reminder: I’m Michael Karnjanaprakorn, founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. My podcast, The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS), follows my journey as I chat with people who take unique approaches to business and life. This newsletter highlights key takeaways from the latest episode.

---

I chat with Rick Foerster, who shares his journey from a fast-paced tech career to one focused on family, creativity, and fulfillment. After twelve years at Privia Health, Rick took a sabbatical when the company went public. He used that time to reassess his priorities and shift from a work-centric identity to a multi-dimensional one.

We discuss diversifying your identity and finding fulfillment beyond career success. We also explore the concept of ‘total addressable meaning,’ how finding meaning is the ultimate form of wealth, navigating midlife crises and avoiding burnout.

This episode is perfect for anyone going through a transition, curious about taking a sabbatical, or seeking a more meaningful life beyond work.

Takeaways

1. Sabbaticals as a Reset: Rick's sabbatical gave him the space to step back from the relentless pace of career life and focus on self-discovery. This period acted as a zero-based identity budgeting, helping him dismantle the accumulated ‘crud’ and realign his identity with life goals beyond the career ladder.

2. Scaling Down for Meaning: After years of scaling up in the startup world, Rick discovered the value of scaling down. He realized that while helping millions through his job was impactful, the deeper meaning came from mentoring and making a direct difference in one person’s life.

3. Identity Portfolio: Just as one diversifies financial investments, an identity portfolio should be diversified. Instead of over-allocating identity with work, he suggests spreading one's identity across various areas of life—family, health, creative pursuits—to minimize discontent from any single area.

4. Redefining Ambition: Moving from career-focused goals to a broader ambition, including being a better father and community member. The shift from "I want to be Steve Jobs" to "I want to be a great father and citizen" highlights the evolution of ambition that aligns more closely with personal values and fulfillment.

5. Experiment with Small Changes: Even if a long sabbatical isn't possible, Rick encourages experimenting with smaller shifts—whether it’s taking up a new hobby, reducing work hours slightly, or getting involved in community projects to create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Rick’s story shows that while stepping back from a high-achieving career can be challenging, it’s also a powerful opportunity to redefine both success and yourself.

Enjoy the episode!

-Michael