How to Find a Career that Gives You Purpose

Finding meaningful work is one of the hardest things you can do in life. For most people, purpose and career have no connection at all.

You regard a career as being only good for bringing in a paycheck at the end of the month. And who can blame you?

Our culture drums the relationship between work and money into our heads from birth. Our parents do so as well. Yet according to statistics, few people today find satisfaction in their job. Work has become a boring chore. But finding fulfillment and purpose in work is possible if you set your mind to it. And here are a few tips on how to get this done.

1. Don’t Be Too Specific

We often make the mistake of thinking that satisfaction lies in doing one specific thing, say, being a nurse. While having a general idea of what you want to do in life is all well and good, don’t forget to explore other avenues as well. Only keep moving in the right direction.

Thus, as you pursue that online nursing degree program from ADU Online, work in a variety of jobs. Who knows, you might discover a deep seated love for art, entrepreneurship or writing.

2. Expect Change

Even as you move in the right direction, changes and upsets will occur every now and then. That is life. What is your passion today can change in time. In a years’ time, it could be something else altogether. Let’s go back to the nursing story mentioned earlier.

You start pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing only to discover you love something else. What do you do but follow your new passion? Such changes do occur, sometimes more than once, in your journey to a meaningful career. Expect them. They only take you closer to your dreams each time they happen.

3. Follow Your Passions, Talents and Values

To find out what you are passionate about, ask yourself: what would I do for a living if money was not an issue? Once you know what your passion is, follow it. Chances are that your passion aligns with your values and you are naturally gifted in it. This is called the Passions, Values, and Talent (PVT) triangle.

Now, find a career which integrates all three PVT factors and then focus your efforts on achieving it. By aligning your career with these factors, you will find fulfillment in your work. You’ll also increase the chances of being successful in life.

4. Do Something That Fosters Growth and Learning

Not growing or learning at work dents your self-worth. Whether you know it or not, as a human being, you need a sense of achievement. And this attitude only comes if you grow and learn. So, if your career has stagnated, it is time to find something else to do. But if it is you who has stagnated, work on improving yourself. Go back to school or learn a new skill set.

Although job satisfaction is at an all-time low, you don’t have to live dissatisfied. You can find meaning in your work by not being too specific on your career choices. Also expect changes and upsets as you follow your dreams. And where possible, follow your passion and only do that which makes you grow as an individual. Finally, always leave your place of work better than you found it.