Am I doing what I love? Is this what I want to be remembered for? Is my work truly fulfilling?
If you’re feeling stuck or questioning your career choices, you’re not alone.
This blog post aims to help you gain clarity, tackle self-doubt, and take actionable steps to create a career that fits you.
What: What Does Your Meaningful Career Look Like?
A meaningful career goes beyond just paying the bills. It is one that aligns with your values, offers personal fulfillment, and creates a positive impact on the world. It’s about feeling a sense of accomplishment and knowing that your work resonates with who you are.
Let’s take this closer to home and make it about you — what does a meaningful career look like for you.
Here are some things to consider:
- Personal Fulfillment: Does your work excite you? Does it challenge you in a way that feels rewarding?
- Alignment with Values: Are your personal values reflected in your work? Does your job align with your beliefs?
- Impact: Are you making a positive impact on the people around you, your community, or the world?
- Sense of Purpose: Does your job have a larger purpose? Is it tied to something meaningful, beyond just the tasks you perform?
Why: Why is a Meaningful Career Important?
The benefits of transitioning into a meaningful career go beyond job satisfaction. A meaningful career improves your mental health, boosts your confidence, and even leads to a more balanced life. Plus, studies show that people who find purpose in their work are generally more productive, more engaged, and happier in their personal lives.
Organisations with high levels of engagement also report better employee well-being, with 60% of employees saying they experience a greater sense of purpose in life when they feel connected to their work. — Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends (2020)
How: How Do I Transition to a Meaningful Career?
Making a career transition isn’t easy.
There are the real world concerns of juggling family responsibilities, home mortgages, etc. Then there are the fears that whirl around in your mind — I am not ready, I don’t have the luck, etc.
So, how do you even start making the transition?
Here are some steps you can take to start the process:
- Clarify Your Values: Reflect on what matters most to you. What do you stand for? What’s non-negotiable in your life and work? Take the time to identify your core values, as they’ll guide your career decisions. This is your internal compass.
- Identify Your Strengths: What are you naturally good at? What skills do you bring to the table that others admire? Take an inventory of your strengths and how they can be applied to new opportunities. This will help you define the type of work that would be most fulfilling.
- Start Small: Make gradual changes. You don’t have to take a big leap right away. Start by looking for internal projects, freelance work, or side gigs that align with your passions and values. Experiment, gain new experiences, and learn along the way.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln
How do you view your transition journey?
Career transitions often bring up self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty. Your current way of being might have you belief that you aren’t capable or not ready to take the leap.
You can take a look at the narrative you have, what sensation shows up for you and how that affect your feelings about the transition. You may also work with an ontological coach to shift your way of being to dispel limiting beliefs, reframe self-doubt and build inner confidence.
My Story
Here’s my story of transitioning to a meaningful career. I looked back on my journey and identified moments when I felt truly alive—those times when I was creating and helping others. I realized I loved the process of creation and making a positive impact in people’s lives.
In my previous role working with travel clients, I wasn’t just selling destinations; I was creating experiences that let people live more joyfully, connect with cultures, and experience life beyond the ordinary. It wasn’t about selling for the sake of it, but selling to improve lives and make a broader impact.
After leaving my corporate job, I spent time reflecting on what truly energises me. I also had at least 5 coaching sessions where I work through my personal values, my aspirations and dreams, and what a meaningful career would look like.
Here’s what I landed on: I valued helping others live healthier, more meaningful lives. That’s why I created a business and coaching practice around health and wellness—offering natural cleaning products, fitness accessories, and coaching services to help people break free from self-limiting beliefs and design the life they desire.
It took some time to align my work with my values. Transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship required deep self-awareness and courage. But it’s been a rewarding journey towards living a life that feels truly meaningful.
Practical Tips for a Meaningful Career Transition
If you’re at a career crossroads, explore and experiment, connect and network, and invest and grow:
- Explore Passion Projects: Sometimes, we find purpose in side projects, hobbies, or volunteer work. These can help spark joy and give you direction as you explore career options.
- Network and Seek Mentorship: Connect with people who have the career you aspire to. Learn from their experiences and seek guidance on how to make your transition successful.
- Invest in Your Growth: Whether it’s learning new skills, taking a course, or getting a coach, always be investing in yourself. Building your toolkit for your new career will help you stay confident and motivated.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
Ready to Make the Transition? A meaningful career can be a reality.
Let’s start working together to create a career that truly resonates with you.