It’s no secret that many people are unhappy with their jobs. A recent study found that only 13% of workers worldwide are engaged in their work*.
The vast majority of people are disengaged from their jobs.
So how can you find work you love? And once you identify it, how can you build a career around it?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding work that you love.
Think about the things that make you happy and fulfilled. What makes you happy? What makes you lose track of time?
How to identify the things that make you feel happy
1. Make a list of the activities you enjoy doing
Then, narrow the list down to pinpoint the things you want most. Consider how you could turn your passion into a long-term career.
- For example, if you love spending time outdoors, you might consider a career in sustainability or environmental science.
- You could also take a career interests quiz as well as a character strengths survey and explore your results.
2. Research careers that match your passions
Once you’ve identified a few possible career paths, it’s time to research them.
- What does a typical day look like in this field?
- What kind of education and training is required?
- Are there job prospects in this field? Where?
3. Try new things
Explore different careers and see which ones resonate with you. Talk to people already doing what you want to do.
- Volunteer in a field that interests you.If you can’t find programs in your area, try searching for virtual volunteering programs or “volunteer abroad” groups. For example, the United Nations has a volunteering program for people from around the world interested in different topics.
- Take classes or workshops related to your field of interest. For example, if you are interested in music, then take extra courses online or offline. If you are interested in an international career, it might be best to study abroad. You can also find out how you can retrain in a specific field.
How to build a career based on your passions
1. Network with people who work in your desired field
Networking with people within the same area will give you an idea of what it’s like to work in your chosen field.
- You can find networking events on meetup.com or search for “networking events + your city”
- Look for someone who is doing what you want to do. You can search on Facebook or LinkedIn to find successful role models in your field of interest.
- Read books, blogs, and articles about people who have built careers around their passions.
2. Get started and position yourself
You might need to start your new career through an internship or volunteer position. Use this opportunity to build your resume and portfolio, and continue networking.
- Start positioning yourself as an expert in your field. Create a social media presence or start self-publishing. Make sure that your target market can easily find you online.
3. Get a coach or mentor
If you’re still unsure how to turn your passion into a career, consider working with a coach or mentor.
A coach is a partner who can help you identify your desires and set goals to achieve them within a trusting and supportive environment.
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- Ask mutual acquaintances or friends if they know anyone who could be an excellent mentor for you.
- Once you’ve found a potential mentor, reach out and introduce yourself. Pay attention to their response style and willingness to help you, and see if this is a good match for you.
Finding Career Success and Satisfaction
Take the time to find work you’re passionate about, and you’ll be more likely to find career success and satisfaction.
Pursuing your passion can be scary, but it’s also gratifying. By figuring out what you want to do with your life, you can set yourself up for a bright and abundant future.
You can start by thinking about what makes you happy and finding a career that matches your interests. Alternatively, you can try new things and explore different fields until you discover something that genuinely resonates with you.
When it comes to finding work that you are truly passionate about, it’s important to remember that it’s a continuous journey.
Your interests and passions may evolve over time, and that’s completely normal. What matters is that you stay open-minded, curious, and willing to take risks in order to discover what truly ignites your soul.
Trust the process and have faith that your efforts will lead you to a fulfilling and rewarding career path.
Remember, the greatest success comes from doing what you love. So don’t be afraid to follow your heart and chase your dreams. Your future self will thank you for it.
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*Source: Gallup’s 142-country study on the State of the Global Workplace.
