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When people say they’re searching for their purpose, it’s often wrapped in big, abstract ideas. They imagine discovering some life-changing mission.
But let’s be honest—what most people are truly asking is: What’s my career purpose?
Why Career Purpose Matters
Why does this distinction matter? Because for the majority of us, especially millenials and Gen Z, work isn’t just a way to pay the bills—it’s where we spend a massive chunk of our time and energy. When your work feels aligned with your purpose, it’s more than a paycheck. It’s fulfilling, meaningful, and energizing.
Your career is the vehicle through which you live out your purpose. Think about it:
- Teachers fulfill their purpose by educating and inspiring the next generation.
- Designers find purpose in creating beauty or solving problems through their work.
- Entrepreneurs often pursue their purpose by bringing innovative ideas to life.
You might find yourself saying, “I don’t know what my purpose is,” but often, what you’re really asking is, “What kind of work will make me feel like I’m contributing to something meaningful?”
The Challenge of Defining Purpose
The challenge often lies in how we define purpose. Many of us grow up absorbing ideas about what a “purposeful” life looks like, shaped by societal norms, family expectations, or even well-meaning advice. These influences can nudge us toward a version of purpose that isn’t truly ours.
Maybe you’ve heard things like, “You should choose a stable career path,” or, “Helping people is always meaningful—you’d be great in healthcare or education.” While these paths might genuinely resonate with some, they aren’t universally fulfilling. What feels purposeful for one person might not evoke the same sense of meaning for someone else.
Purpose isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s deeply personal, rooted in your values, strengths, and passions. Aligning with your true purpose means looking inward and discovering what genuinely matters to you. Only then can you create a career that feels authentic, fulfilling, and uniquely yours..
4 Questions to Help You Discover Your Career Purpose
If you’re ready to align your work with your purpose, start with these questions:
- What impact do I want to make through my work?
- What skills or talents do I love using the most?
- What kind of problems do I enjoy solving?
- What values do I want my work to reflect?
When your career aligns with your purpose, work feels like more than just a job. You wake up excited on Monday mornings, ready to contribute to something that truly matters to you. You’re not just going through the motions.
But it starts with clarity—on who you are, what you want, and how you want your career to reflect your purpose. Without that clarity, it’s easy to end up in roles that drain you instead of inspiring you.
