The Keys to Finding Meaningful Work

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Most people search for careers that will provide them with financial security rather than looking for work that fulfills their passions and dreams. Find a career that is fulfilling seems to be left for those talented few that have an exceptional drive to succeed.  Research agrees with this as it shows job satisfaction is at an all-time low in the US. Yet, it is not impossible for anyone to have a meaningful career and one they will be happy in for the rest of their working life.

Most of us would be over the moon to be able to work in an area we have a passion for and still earn enough money to support ourselves. The problem is that many people think this is wishful thinking and put their dreams to one side. This is not the case though. With the right tools and knowledge, anyone can go for the job they want, they just have to put their mind in the right place and go for it.

Don’t Pin Yourself Down To One Special Job

To start with, do not pin yourself down to s specific job. If you know what industry or profession you want to work, just look at it in a general sense and do whatever is needed to get into that area of work.  If you think you would like to be a music producer, for example, you need to find work in a music studio or with a music company to start with. Sometimes, once you are working within the industry you have chosen, you can change your mind about the specific job you want to do.

You could think you would like to be a stockbroker, but after working in the financial field for a while change your mind and become a financial advisor.  These are no more than examples to show that pinning yourself down to a specific job can make it harder to find work that you find meaningful.

The history of the family of Cynthia Telles is a perfect example of people finding work that they loved, a tradition that has been continued by Dr Telles herself. She says that she learned by example that helping others not defines our humanity, but fulfills our responsibility to each other and strengthens social fabric. Dr Telles has dedicated her life to helping others and has been one of the lucky few that has earned her living by working with her passion.

Be Prepared For Change All Your Working Life

You must be prepared for change throughout your working life. All industries and professions are constantly changing because of the latest technology and innovations. Some type of jobs will disappear but they will be replaced with others. This could mean that although you are still working with your chosen area, the specific job you wanted to do no longer exists.

You will also find that the longer you work the more clearly your goals will become and you may well change the direction of your career by choice. This is not unusual and sometimes trying different things is how you end up with the job you love.

The other thing that you need to consider is the duties that come with each job. No matter how detailed a job description is, you will never really know what it is like until you have actually done it. This is another reason you may change direction, as it could be that you discover you do not enjoy the work as much as you thought you would.

If Money Did Not Matter, What Would You Do

Some people have no idea at all about which career to pursue. Try asking your self that is money was not an issue; what work would you like to be doing.

The answer to this question can give you some insight into the type of career you should be considering if you want it to be meaningful work. That does not mean that you just jump into that career, but at least you can start looking for work within the same industry.

Whatever industry or profession you are aiming for, start with work that will mean you learn new skills. This will help you to move further up the ladder of your chosen work, even if you have to change your job for that to happen.

Consider completing an online course that will give you a qualification in the area you have chosen. The beauty of these is that you can fit them in with your lifestyle and they are ideal for people that are working at the same time as studying. You can work on them in the evenings or at weekends, and still have the same assistance from tutors online, as you would have at a physical college.

Whether it is through on-the-job experience, or by gaining new qualifications, you should never stop learning about your chosen area of work, or you will fall behind as technology takes over.

Don’t Be Pushed Into Something You Hate

You will have lots of well-meaning advice given you about what work you should do, but it is you that has to go and fulfill the role for 8 or more hours every working day. You should not let yourself be pushed into a job you will hate as that can be soul destroying and very bad for your mental health.

If you are under pressure to find work, and many people are, make a point of visiting the companies in the industry you would like to work in. Take an up to date resume with you to each and every one, and leave details of where they can get in touch with you easily.

There may well be a time where you have to take a job for financial reasons, especially if you are the main breadwinner. But do not give up on your dreams and keep trying as one day the opportunity for something that you would love to do might just open up, and then you will be able to work in a much more meaningful job.