Listen, this era is being called the Great Resignation for a reason. For those of you who didn’t make the move to a new career, you’re likely considering it. And not just because you want more money, benefits, or less burnout. It’s because your current work hasn’t provided that fulfillment that you crave.

Whenever I speak with professionals who feel unfulfilled in their career, it’s because they’ve spent all their time focusing on one or two of the four pillars necessary for fulfillment. Unfortunately, this isn’t an either or type of situation, you need to consider all four pillars with each career move. Let’s dive into each!

Strengths

What tasks or actions do you do well? Studies show that we feel most energized when we exercise our strengths. I mean, really, who wants to spend their days struggling through task after task 40 hours a week? And don’t downplay yourself. Chances are the tasks you breeze through and tackle first, others find confusing and overwhelming. Still struggling to identify your strengths? What do your coworkers always come to you and ask for help with? Consider if there is a common thread between the skills you've used in past jobs, such as strong communication or decision-making.

Interests

What do you enjoy doing and learning more about? What do you advocate for when hearing others discuss the topic? What have you been wanting to research but keep putting off? Note: Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean that you’ll enjoy doing it in every context. Just because you love ice cream doesn't mean you want to taste-test every Ben and Jerry's creation, for the next twenty years. Sometimes, volunteering will give you a good idea if a new career is a good fit; it can also help develop additional career-enhancing skills and expand your networking circle.

Purpose

What innermost beliefs or values guide your work? This moves into a more personal connection. What do you hope to achieve through your work? Who, or what does your work elevate? I wholeheartedly believe that it is essential to find work that is meaningful to you AND impacts the world in a way that makes you proud. Pinpointing your purpose with work will provide a filter through which you make daily decisions, and when the work gets tough, you still have your "why" to get you motivated and push you through.

Balance

Acknowledging that work is only one aspect of your life, what other priorities do you need to consider as you make career decisions? Do you need flexibility in your schedule? Access to green spaces? What type of workplace relationships do you prefer? The yin to your work yang will be individual and unique to you. Understanding what matters most to you and finding a job that allows the proper balance between those things makes all the difference. And you deserve it. Remember to check in with yourself and consider if the benefits package is truly supportive of your lifestyle.

Next Steps

Take some time to reflect on your career moves. Which pillars have you been neglecting in your job search? How can you incorporate those areas within your next career move? How can you take the next step?

If you still find yourself struggling to figure out what you actually want to do next, book a 1:1 career strategy session with me! Check out the strategy session overview and F.A.Q. by clicking the button below.

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