6 Steps to Discovering a Career That Fits You

Discovering a career that fits you is critical to workplace satisfaction. In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, finding meaning and purpose in our work is more important than ever. As an employee, understanding and embracing your purpose can lead to greater job satisfaction, increased motivation, and a sense of fulfillment. In this blog, I hope to provide a few practical tips on uncovering and aligning your work with your deeper sense of purpose.

My youngest daughter recently left her position as a high school teacher. She had 15 years of experience, two master’s degrees, and was an award-winning educator. In the end, none of that was important. The job no longer fit who she was. She called me yesterday to let me know that a position she’d interviewed for had offered her a job. She said, “Dad, I am so proud of myself for doing this. I deserve to be happy.” If you’re not feeling fulfilled, you deserve to be happy too.

6 Steps to Discovering a Career That Fits You

1. Reflect on Your Values and Passions

To begin discovering your best fit as an employee, take some time for self-reflection. Reflect on your core values, the things that truly matter to you. Consider your passions and the activities that energize and inspire you. Identifying these fundamental aspects of yourself will help you clarify what you find meaningful in your work.

2. Assess Your Strengths

Understanding your strengths is crucial to discovering your purpose. Identify your unique skills, talents, and abilities. Consider the tasks or activities that come naturally and bring you a sense of accomplishment. Aligning your work with your strengths will allow you to excel and contribute significantly to your overall job satisfaction.

3. Seek Alignment with Company Values

When searching for a purpose in your work, aligning yourself with an organization whose values align with yours is essential. Research companies and organizations that share similar missions and visions as you do. This alignment creates a sense of harmony and meaning when you feel your work contributes to a greater cause.

4. Set Meaningful Goals

Setting goals that reflect your purpose is a powerful way to stay motivated and engaged. Consider both short-term and long-term objectives that align with your values and passions. Break these goals down into actionable steps, and regularly evaluate your progress. A clear direction guided by purpose-driven, action-planned goals will provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your everyday work.

5. Embrace Continuous Learning

Continuously seeking knowledge and growth is an integral part of discovering your purpose. Engage in professional development opportunities, attend conferences, take courses, or pursue certifications that align with your interests. Embracing lifelong learning expands your skill set and opens doors to new possibilities and opportunities aligned with your best fit.

6. Seek Meaningful Connections

Building meaningful connections with colleagues, mentors, and like-minded individuals can significantly impact your journey toward discovering a career that fits. Engage in conversations, networking events, or mentorship programs to connect with people who share similar values and passions. Surrounding yourself with individuals who inspire and support you can help you stay motivated and focused on finding what’s best for you.

What’s Your Best Fit?

Discovering a career that fits you is much more than having job skills, knowing policies, and following procedures. It’s finding your fit by working in an industry, at a business, with others that share your passions. It’s finding a home where your values are mirrored and gives you a satisfying sense of purpose.

You might be thinking that’s all very nice, but I need a paycheck, so I have to put up with whatever is thrown at me. I once thought the same. I stayed at a company and in a position that didn’t make me happy until I didn’t, I was 50 years old when I walked away and looked for a place where I felt I belonged, and I found it. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. Is it time to find your best fit?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.