Love What You Do- Job and Career Searching
Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life. Heard that before?
Easier said than done, I know. BUT, this is imperative to not only your professional success but more importantly...your personal happiness. So how do you find a job that you LOVE?
First, understand what love means in this context as I think this is where it goes wrong for many. In my experience, it is the combination of TWO things:
- Passion-something that excites and interests you.
- Purpose- something of value that contributes to others.
Bad news? There’s not one answer for everyone.
Good news? There’s not one answer for everyone!
First, let’s look at passion:
Lean into what excites you. What drives you? What gives you joy? What puts a smile on your face? What do you seem to gravitate towards? What interests you? These are sometimes small things that we tend to overlook thinking that it’s just something fun or they don't translate into a job, much less a career. I beg to differ...so look harder!
Do deep research to see if you’re really interested in this (to make sure it’s something you’d enjoy doing 40+ hours a week). Talk to people who have worked in that field to get their advice and insights. Seek advice and insights ideally from people who have been in a particular field/industry for various lengths (someone who is fairly new, someone a few years in and someone who has been in the field for 10+ years). These can be people you know well or strangers- hello LinkedIn!
Now, let’s dive into purpose:
Similar to passion you’re going to want to lean in...this time to what others around you are feeling, wanting, and needing. Can you recall an interaction with someone where they expressed how grateful they were for you/what you did? What about a time where you saw someone thrive after you spoke to them or you gave them something (often nothing of “conventional value”)? Keep in mind that what others need and value is different from everyone and often includes some very mundane things. As in it’s not just about curing illnesses. It also includes something as simple as the contribution of providing a warm and hospitable environment for people when dining out.
What was it that you said or did that contributed to others? Explore that. Did you also enjoy doing it? BINGO!
The people that are successful and great at work are the ones that have found the amazing intersection of passion AND purpose. The sweet spot of what YOU love and what OTHERS need. This is what can lead to an enjoyable career that is sustainable over time.
Ready. Set. Go!