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As millennials, you might feel like you’ve ticked off all the boxes for success—you got a good degree and are climbing the corporate career ladder. Yet, despite these achievements, you may still feel unfulfilled. With the high cost of living and the pressure to stay productive, hard work can often seem pointless and leave you feeling stressed instead of satisfied.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding clarity in your career can often feel like trying to see through a heavy fog, especially when you’re faced with countless opportunities and societal pressures. To find clarity and align your career with your true self, consider 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. When you remove the need for validation or financial gain, you can better discern which career paths align with your authentic self.
Evaluate Your Non-Negotiables
A helpful coaching 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. Consider how you can incorporate the aspects that energize you into your current or future roles. Determine your non-negotiables—what are the must-haves for you in a job? For example, you might want flexibility in your job, like working from home or having flexible hours, because it makes you happier and helps you get more done.
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”
Additionally, consider getting feedback and advice from coaching to move and grow faster. A coach can offer new ideas, help you improve your skills, and keep you on track as you work towards your goals.
