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As a millennial, you might feel like you’ve checked all the boxes for success. Yet somehow, you still feel unfulfilled. With high living costs and constant pressure to stay productive, all that hard work can start to feel meaningless, leaving you stressed instead of satisfied. To help you gain clarity and align your career with your true self, focus on the following four “Es”:
Eliminate External Motivators
Millennials often are viewing careers as being successful when an impact is made. Start by defining what success means to you personally. Instead of conforming to societal standards, focus on what truly drives you. What might seem like a dream job to others may not align with your own passions and goals. It’s important to find a career path that matches what you truly care about and want to achieve, instead of just following what others think is successful. If you stop worrying about approval or money, you can more clearly figure out which career paths match your true self.
Evaluate Your Non-Negotiables
A helpful exercise is to list all your job experiences and then note what drained your energy and what energized you. After that, ask yourself why each experience affected you the way it did. Keep asking “why” until you reach the root cause.
Next, think about what you really want from your job. How can you bring the things that energize you into your current role or a future one? Identify your non-negotiables: the things you absolutely need in a job. For example, you might need flexibility, like working from home or setting your own hours, because it makes you happier and more productive.
Experiment with Different Job Options
Make a list of careers that interest you, no matter if they are considered top jobs or not. Try out those careers by doing internships, freelance work, or talking to people in those fields. Remember, networking is about building meaningful connections, not just meeting people.
Get involved in volunteer work or try new hobbies to find out what you enjoy. Often, the most fulfilling activities are those you do for fun or because you’re passionate about them. Pay attention to what makes you lose track of time; this “flow” can guide you toward career options you might love.
In your twenties or thirties, it’s normal to explore and try different jobs. Don’t worry about sticking to one career forever. Even though it might seem unusual, job hopping can teach you a lot and help you find what you really love! Career paths are rarely straightforward, so be open to trying different jobs, industries, or even starting your own business.
Empower Yourself with Coaching
To figure out what really matters to you, take a break from your busy life and think about the first three “Es”
Also, think about getting guidance from a coach to help you move forward faster. A coach can give you fresh ideas, help you build your skills, and keep you on track as you work toward your goals.
