Category: Personal Wellness

Business Personal Wellness

How to FINALLY Find a Job You Love

Finding a job is easy, but finding a job you truly love? That’s a different ball game. A fulfilling job aligns with more than just your skills—it resonates with your core values, your vision for your life, and the things that ignite your passion. Here’s a guide on how to embark on an introspective journey to discover that dream job. 

But first, I want to share one potentially unpopular opinion… 

Finding a job that you love does not automatically mean leaving your current company. There are ways to shift your role, responsibilities, and daily tasks within your current organization or position. So if you love your company and especially your corporate culture, then keep your mind open to getting creative in this process. The solution to unhappiness at work is not always “I quit.” 

This happened to be my personal experience early in my career. A year into my first job out of college I was SO bored in my role as a marketing coordinator. I mean really really bored. I spent a large portion of my day downloading marketing reports, printing them out and then manually entering the numbers back into excel. I know, right?! But here’s the thing…I LOVED the culture and had made some amazing friends in my colleagues. I felt so lucky to be a part of the team. But I would have done anything to have a different job inside the organization. And that’s exactly what I ended up doing.

Another member of the marketing team left the company. I volunteered to take on a number of her responsibilities while they went through the process of hiring her replacement. I didn’t ask for an increase in pay or anything really in return. I just wanted to learn and show my boss I was capable of doing more. After a few weeks, the company offered me the position permanently. However, I had to agree to a 6 month probationary period. My raise associated with my new role would not kick in until the end of this 6 months (with backpay). 

You might be reading this and thinking “What?! How naive were you?!” Take on a much more demanding high level position with no pay increase? And in retrospect I should have negotiated it differently. But back then I was still using Google to understand what people were saying in meetings. I didn’t know the first thing about the first thing. I just knew how to work hard and learn fast. And I don’t regret going out on that limb. It kick started my career and shaped my understanding of how to get ahead.

Now, I am NOT recommending anyone follow in my exact footsteps. With the economy and landscape today, I would never advise someone to agree to similar terms. However, I demonstrate a key point with this story. To get what you want, you almost always have to get creative, be bold and put in some hard work. 

Ten years later I left that company as their Chief Marketing Officer. It was finally the right time for me to go. So I’ve been in both situations you might find yourself in today. My hope is this article will help you find a job or a position that you love. That might mean you have to leave the current company you’re at. Or it might mean you have to get creative and be bold in your quest to find the right place for yourself. 

Ok! Let’s get into it… 

Start with Introspection:

Self-awareness is the cornerstone of any fulfilling career choice. Dive deep into your core values. What principles guide your life? Freedom? Creativity? Philanthropy? By understanding these, you can align your job search with opportunities that resonate with the things that keep you most balanced and joyful. And while you’re at it, visualize the life you want. Do you see a 9-to-5 in the office with colleagues you love, or remote work from anywhere in the world? This detailed picture will serve as your north star.

Illuminate Your Passions:

Reflect on the moments when you feel most alive, both in and out of work. Is it when you’re collaborating with a team, working on a challenging project, or maybe even presenting in front of an audience? Recognize these ‘light-up’ moments. They’re invaluable clues to roles and environments where you’d thrive.

Talk to Your Boss or Current Mentor. Express your desire to expand and grow with the current company, or be vulnerable with your personal goals and ambitions. Be careful not to use any directly negative phrases like “I’m bored with what I’m doing”, “I can’t do this anymore”, “I dislike my job”…etc. Focus more on where you’d like to go and how you’d like to grow professionally. Use phrases like: 

  • “I’ve learned a lot in my current role, and I’m eager to take on new challenges to contribute even more to the team/company.”
  • “I’ve been reflecting on my career path, and I’m interested in exploring roles that involve [specific tasks or responsibilities]. How can I work towards that?”
  • “Given my accomplishments in [specific tasks or projects], I feel I could bring value to [specific role or department]. Can we discuss the possibility of me learning more in this area of the business?

Be open to feedback:

Ask what skill gaps you might need to work on. As much specific feedback and direction you can get the better. You’re not asking them to solve this challenge for you. You’re asking for clear feedback to help you determine your next move. 

Note: It’s not advised to tell your current employer that you’re thinking about leaving unless you’re absolutely certain of their reaction. You do not want to be caught flat footed and without a job or an angry boss. 

Ditch the Endless Job Board Scrolling:

Here’s some real talk: If scrolling through LinkedIn and other job boards hasn’t worked before, it won’t now. Instead of applying to a job just because you’re qualified, cultivate an intentional job search strategy. Research companies whose values align with yours or who’s products or services you find valuable or inspiring. Do your research and find the email address for the HR recruiter for the company. Figure out what people listed as working for these companies describe doing on their profiles. What are their job titles, qualifications and education? How do you match up? Quality, not quantity, is the key.

Be vulnerable with your friends and family. Ask for introductions to people in the industry you’re looking to enter. Invest in a mentor or career coach. Attend local networking events or speakers series hosted by Universities or large organizations and nonprofits. Finding a job you love will 100% require you to put yourself out there at some point.

Make Non-Negotiable Commitments to Yourself:

Set yourself up for success by establishing routines and goals. This could be a morning ritual to get you in the right mindset, a timeline for your job search, or even targets for personal and professional development. Remember, these commitments are non-negotiable. Don’t get me wrong here…life will happen and you need to remain flexible. But consistentcy in keeping your commitments to yourself at least 80% of the time is key. The aim is progress, not perfection.

Let’s wrap this up…finding a job you adore requires a blend of introspection and intentional action. Once you’ve discovered your inner desires and values, the path becomes clearer. And as you set out on this fulfilling journey, don’t forget to check out our other articles for even more tips and advice. A great next read would be: 10 Steps to Crafting Your Personal & Professional Goals”. In this article, we dive deeper into strategies that can pivot your life and career towards a brighter, happier future. 

Personal Wellness

10-Steps to Crafting Your Personal & Professional Goals

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job or industry, unsure where to go next or how to even start, or simply found yourself yearning for more, then you’re in the right place. Picture your best friend or big sister wrapping an arm around your shoulders, leading you with love and wisdom through a transformative process. Here’s a proven 10-step process, brimming with heartfelt advice, to help you sculpt a radiant vision for both your personal and professional life.

Self-Reflection & Assessment:

Ah, the magical realm of self-discovery! Dive deep into understanding your passions, core values, personal strengths, and dreams for the future. We recommend you start by defining your core values. You can download our step-by-step guide here.

After you’re super clear on what values keep you most aligned and joyful, it’s time to journal, in detail, what you want your future to look like. The more specific you are the easier the rest of this process will be. Take your time on this step. Remember, you’re not being held to anything you write down. Think of this exercise as daydreaming on paper. Keep it fluid. It’s more about exploring your feelings and desires in detail. 

Define Your Vision:

This is where you start to get strategic. Defining a clear vision for your future is like creating a blueprint. It’s a more structured, purposeful process where you pick a direction and lay out a more detailed, specific plan for getting there. It’s the big picture you’re genuinely committing to and will shape your decisions, goals, and actions to bring it into reality. Having a clear vision is like having a compass; it helps you navigate life’s challenges with purpose and direction. 

If you are married, live with someone else or share any financial responsibilities, it is VERY important at this point to bring that loved one into the discussion. A key component to a strong relationship is a clear shared vision for your joint future. 

Set Specific Targets: 

Break that majestic vision into bite-sized pieces! Setting SMART goals and targets ensures you’re not just dreaming, but also doing. By being specific, measurable, and time-bound, you’re setting up a clear roadmap for your journey. 

Exploring Skill Gaps & Acquire Knowledge:

Every dream requires careful analysis of your current skills and any gaps in what you need to know to get there. Do a little research on the ideal companies you’d love to work for, explore LinkedIn pages of their current employees and top executives. Where do your skills and training differ? This same approach can also be applied to entrepreneurs and influencers on social media.

Whether it’s learning a new language, mastering digital marketing, or understanding human psychology, commit to learn and grow in whatever direction is necessary. When you arm yourself with knowledge and skills, you’re not only advancing towards your dream but also evolving as a person.

Network & Seek Mentors:

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey! The world is teeming with kindred spirits who’ve walked paths similar to yours. Seek them out, learn from their stories, and let their experiences illuminate your path. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the people you find in your research and ask for a quick conversation or interview.

Look into online courses, coaching or mentorship that might exist. The accountability that some of these programs offer is invaluable when you’re just getting started on a new path. But if you’re on this website, you’re already on the right track. Explore our other articles and Free Resources for more career and personal development advice. 

Establish a Routine:

Routines reduce chaos, infusing your days, months and weeks with a comforting rhythm. They’re your silent cheerleaders, nudging you forward consistently. And the key to accomplishing any goal or new skill is consistency. Here is a quick list of some of my favorite goal-crushing routines:

  • Start every month with a quick review of your goals. Pull out the targets that you’re trying to hit that month…further pushing towards your goal. Write them into your planner, on a post it or hang them on the frig. Somewhere you’ll see them each week when you’re deciding on your daily priorities.
  • Set aside at LEAST 30 minutes Monday – Friday to actively work towards a goal. I often find this fits into my busy mom life RIGHT after I put them to bed. Don’t sit down on the couch just yet! I know it’s hard to keep this discipline and motivation, but your future self will thank you.
  • Have a weekly or monthly “business meeting” with your partner, roommate or mentor or accountability friend. Someone that you can discuss your progress, brainstorm solutions to setbacks…etc. If this meeting is with the person you life with, then I also suggest using this time to discuss household division of labor and checking in on just how each person thinks things are going related to the business of running your family.
  • Establish a doubt busting mantra to keep you motivated and get you over the struggle mountain. This is key for me! I am often someone who’s mind starts spinning tails of imposter syndrome, “is this worth it”, “you should be happy with what you’ve already accomplished” thoughts.

My mantra right now:

“You can either make six months of progress. Or you can be exactly where you are. I can’t wait to see what me in six months looks like!”

Stay Adaptable & Resilient:

Life, in its playful unpredictability, might throw a few curveballs. Your strength lies in dancing with these changes. Being adaptable ensures you make the best of every situation, and resilience guarantees that you’ll bounce back but not give up on your vision. 

Resilience has been tied to long-term success for decades. Emmy Werner and Ruth Smith conducted a landmark 32-year longitudinal study in Kauai, Hawaii, tracking the lives of nearly 700 children. They found that a third of the children who faced multiple adversities grew into competent, confident, and caring adults. It’s not always easy, but when life throws you a sucker punch it’s your ability to get back up that will define who you are in the future. 

Practice Mindfulness & Self-compassion:

Amidst the hustle, take a pause. Breathe in the present and be gentle with yourself. Mindfulness anchors you, preventing overwhelm, and self-compassion ensures that on the days you falter, you’ll pick yourself up with love and grace.

Regularly Review & Adjust:

Growth is dynamic. As you evolve, your vision might too. It’s not only okay but essential to recalibrate. Periodic reviews keep you aligned with your core values and ensure that your path remains true to your heart’s desires.

Celebrate Milestones:

Ah, the sweet taste of achievement! Whether big or small, every milestone is a testament to your commitment and consistency. Celebrate them, for they fuel your spirit and remind you of the beautiful journey you’re on. Take yourself to dinner, buy an expensive bottle of wine, or just take a guilt-free day off work and do whatever the hell you want!

In conclusion, crafting a vision for your personal and professional life is akin to painting your masterpiece. It requires patience, love, reflection, and action. But remember, you’re the artist, writer and director of your life. Embrace this journey with an open heart, and let the magic unfold!

We recognize this article might be a lot to take in. If you’re the kind of person who likes a specific checklist and how-to’s, download our Defining Your Future Workbook now.