You’re likely familiar with this famous phrase:
Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Some people might not agree with this sentiment, but others wholeheartedly do – especially those who find themselves in a meaningful career that gives them a sense of purpose.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? Who doesn’t want a meaningful career? Even though it might sound tough to achieve, it is possible.
Keep these things in mind when you’re on your quest:
- Finding a meaningful career doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time and different experiences before you achieve it
- A successful, meaningful career looks different for everyone – don’t compare your ideals and goals to others
- It’s never too late to find purpose through a meaningful career
Justin Faerman, co-founder and Editor in Chief of Conscious Lifestyle magazine, shares these tips for finding meaningful work:
Don’t focus on finding the perfect job – just head in the right direction.
Faerman says a lot of people make the mistake of searching for the exact thing they should be doing. The reality is that most people don’t know exactly what they want to do.
If you spend time heading in the general direction of your interests, you’ll get closer to your meaningful destination.
If you spend time heading in the general direction of your interests, you’ll get closer to your meaningful destination.
First, think about the qualities that are important to you and that you’d like to have in your job. Ask yourself what you’d love to be doing if money didn’t matter. From here, you can start to determine the what types of jobs might be the best fit.
In this directional phase, Faerman stresses the importance of thinking broadly. Once you gradually start to focus on a certain path, the details will fall into place.
Your paths will change over time.
The journey to finding meaningful work involves connecting the dots along the way. Rarely does someone reach their final destination at Point A. There will be new discoveries – good and bad – that will change your direction over time. But Faerman says “each correction of the course will get you even closer to the work that is most meaningful and fulfilling for you.”
Combine your passions, values and talents.
In your journey to finding meaningful work, Faerman recommends the PVT Triangle exercise. Draw a triangle and write down your Passions at one point, Values at the second point and Talents at the third point. Think about careers that integrate all three areas and make a list of them in the center of the triangle.
If you’re not sure what your passions are – ask yourself “If money wasn’t an issue, but I still had to work for a living, what would I do?” You can gain valuable insights by answering this question.
Pursue work that fosters learning.
If, despite your best efforts, you still can’t figure out which paths to explore, pursue work that encourages learning. It will help you grow and ultimately help determine what is best for you.
Pursing work that fosters learning allows you to gain experience in several different areas. You become a ‘wide achiever’ – preparing yourself for whatever path you land on.