The Subtle Art of Career Fulfillment

As recruiters and consultants, we are often called people professionals where we are tasked with guiding candidates and employees towards the right career path. Sometimes we come across people who are either chasing job titles or are pushed into a role they are not particularly passionate about.

On other occasions, we are also asked about external factors such as work conditions, job security, compensation and location which are all great ways to solidify your career decision. However, if you’re focusing on these factors alone, it’s unlikely that you’ll find real satisfaction and fulfillment in your work.

Writer Annie Dillard famously said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” The average person spends 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. Can you imagine yourself being in a job that drains you for 90,000 hours in your life?

85 percent of workers worldwide admit to hating their jobs when surveyed anonymously, according to a Gallup survey. So how can we change that? Here are four ways to use the questions below to evaluate if you’re in a work environment that feeds positivity to who you’re as a person.

#1 Who do you want to be instead of what you want to be?

To understand what’s truly important to you, spend less time focusing on the job title but focus on who you want to be. Take this for instance: you don’t want to be a senior analyst, but you want to be the person providing data that helps makes good decisions. You don’t want to be a marketing manager, but you want to be the person who creates compelling campaigns for the right audience.

#2 Did you once feel challenged at work, and now feel like you’re coasting?

If this is on the back of your mind, there’s nothing wrong at pausing to understand how you can grow forward in your career. Take this opportunity to discuss what you used to love and have it written down. Follow-up with questions such as: have you felt appreciated or valued lately, if not what do you need to do? Do you feel like your responsibilities have pivoted in a different direction?

#3 What large aspects of your career need to be met in order to feel fulfilled?

There might not be one single answer as there could be a variety of lists – the whole point is to not overthink this and list it down. Look for something that resonates; something you connect with; something that just might be compelling enough to get involved with.

#4 Are you ready to decide?

None of these ideas and strategies will help you unless you do one more thing: make a decision.  Whether you decide to do your current job better or to explore a field of work that’s more you, make a choice that feels like you’re taking a stand in your life. It may be scary or uncomfortable, but you always get to make a new choice if this one doesn’t work out.

Finding a career that can challenge you to develop new skills and grow should be your top priority. The personal and professional benefits are well worth pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.

Rather than feeling unfulfilled, you can find a balance between using your current abilities and reaching for your ultimate career goals.

Career fulfillment can change your reality. If you want it, you need to create it. Reach out to us at The Edge to find out how you can land more job offers and seek a fulfilled career.