Is it me, or does it seem like everyone in the world is obsessed with finding their purpose? People want to find their “purpose” in life so that they can align that purpose with their work and get busy living the meaningful life that awaits them.

I think the concept of purpose and career is an important discussion to have because so many people believe the concept of passion and purpose should be connected to their work. We have all heard the advice like, “Do what you love and the money will follow!” or, “Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life!” Like all platitudes, they are sometimes useful, but are often way too simple for application to something as complex and important as a career.

Changing Your Language Might Help

If you know your life purpose, that is great! If not, the pressure to find “it” can make a person feel lost, off-track and frustrated—which is not helpful. Here are some mindset changes that might help you feel more connected to a sense of purpose in your work and life.

1. You have more than one “PURPOSE.” If we only had one purpose, then most of us who are parents would choose parenting as our purpose.  Yet, many of us in satisfying careers feel a powerful sense of purpose at work, too. I hate to nitpick words here, but if you are going to look for your purpose, look for four or five of them—not just one.
2. Separate passion and purpose. Most of us are very passionate about a number of areas, and those areas may or may not be appropriate career choices. For example, I love to cook—and I do mean LOVE. I enjoy hosting 60 or so people for a gourmet dinner—and cooking all the food by myself. But cooking is not an appropriate career for me because it is my therapy and my form of art; turning it into a career could ruin my passion for cooking. While you are in soul-searching mode, make sure the list of your passions is long, and try to disconnect work and passion for now so you can explore a variety of options.
3. Take stock of the past. If you feel like you have been working like a dog and have had no meaning in your life, that’s very likely stress talking—not reality. Take some time and reflect on where the meaning has been—no matter what you have done for a living, there has been meaning somewhere. Find it and acknowledge it as part of your search for your purpose/s.

Not sure if a career change is the right path for you take, try our Career change quiz and gain some clarity.

CAREER CHANGE READINESS QUIZ

Though the prospect of a new start is refreshing don’t forget the fundamentals of having an eye-catching and current resume, writing a great cover letter, brushing up on your interview skills, and most of all presenting yourself as the complete package! Before you take that leap, take this quick quiz to make sure you are completely prepared.

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