Don't Settle For a Career That Leaves You Feeling Empty
Don't Settle For a Career That Leaves You Feeling Empty
How create a career that aligns with your values and reclaim your energy.
You’re halfway through yet another Zoom meeting that could have been an email. Your eyes glaze over as the speaker drones on, your mind wandering to the weekend plans you’ve made just to escape the relentless monotony.
Is this really what you signed up for? You find yourself asking, “Is this all there is?”
You’re not alone in this feeling.
According to a Gallup poll, only 33% of employees in the U.S. feel engaged at work. The majority are stuck in jobs that drain them, leaving them feeling unfulfilled and exhausted. It's a widespread problem that drains our energy and snuffs out our enthusiasm.
It’s a tough spot to be in, and many of us have been there. I, too, remember the days of clock-watching and the nights spent wondering if there was more to life than this. It's disheartening to realize that the career you once dreamed of has turned into a source of discontent.
But there's hope.
This article will guide you through the process of realigning your career with your core values, helping you reclaim your energy and passion.
Identify Your Core Values
Values are the guiding principles that shape our decisions and behavior. They are what matters most to us and form the foundation of a fulfilling life. When our career aligns with our values, we experience greater satisfaction and motivation.
Exercise: Values Discovery
Reflect. Take some time to think about the moments in your life when you felt most fulfilled and engaged. What were you doing? Who were you with? What values were being honored in those moments?
List. Write down a list of values that resonate with you. These might include things like creativity, autonomy, helping others, or financial security.
Prioritize. Rank these values in order of importance. This will help you understand what matters most to you and guide your career decisions.
Align Your Career with Your Values
Once you’ve identified your core values, it’s time to assess how well your current job aligns with them. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to make a drastic career change. Sometimes, small adjustments can make a big difference.
Job Crafting. Look for ways to tweak your current role to better fit your values. This might involve taking on new projects, shifting your focus, or even changing teams.
Conversations with Your Employer. Have an open discussion with your manager about your desire to realign your work with your values. Many employers are willing to accommodate employees’ needs if it leads to greater job satisfaction and productivity.
Further Education or Training. Sometimes, aligning your career with your values might require gaining new skills or qualifications. Consider what education or training might help you transition into a role that better fits your values.
Create a Long-Term Career Strategy
With your values as your compass, set clear, actionable career goals. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Short-Term Goals. What can you achieve in the next six months to a year that will bring you closer to a career aligned with your values?
Medium-Term Goals. Where do you see yourself in three to five years? What steps do you need to take to get there?
Long-Term Goals. What is your ultimate career vision? How does this align with your values, and what legacy do you want to leave?
Build a Support Network.
Surround yourself with people who support your career aspirations and values. This network might include mentors, colleagues, friends, and family. Their encouragement and advice can be invaluable as you navigate your career path.
Conclusion
Aligning your career with your values is not just a path to professional success; it’s essential for personal fulfillment and well-being. When you work in harmony with your core principles, you’re more engaged, energized, and satisfied.
Don’t settle for a career that leaves you feeling empty. You have the power to transform your career and your life.
Reflect on your values, make necessary adjustments, and set clear goals. Your future self will thank you for it. Take the first step today and start living a life that reflects who you truly are.
References:
Gallup. (2021). State of the Global Workplace. Link
Wrzesniewski, A., & Dutton, J. E. (2001). Crafting a Job: Revisioning Employees as Active Crafters of Their Work. Academy of Management Review, 26(2), 179–201. Link
Schwartz, S. H. (1992). Universals in the Content and Structure of Values: Theoretical Advances and Empirical Tests in 20 Countries. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 25, 1–65. Link