If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What should I do with my life,” join the club! At one time or another, we’ve all found ourselves feeling unfulfilled at work. It can lead you to question if you’re in the right job, on the right career path or even in the right industry.
If you’re feeling that way and aren’t sure which career path to take next, this article is for you.
Listen, most of us felt societal pressure to choose a career path as a high school grad. But isn’t that ridiculous? We’re so young at that point! How are we supposed to answer the question “What should I do for a living” when, at18 years old, we have little to no experience in the world? It’s so outrageous.
At Dean Graziosi enterprises, we see how unreasonable that is. That’s why we advocate for continual self-education and self-examination. As you grow and experience the world, your interests, passions and purpose may change. And that’s perfectly fine.
Successful people shift with the times they live in, and they adapt in the face of new opportunities.
Maybe you planned on doing one thing your entire life. But after trying that career path and realizing it’s not what you had hoped for, you’re ready to re-evaluate. And we’re here to reassure you that it’s definitely okay to change your mind.
A career change is possible at any stage in life.
Is the “Dream Job” a Myth?
Before we get into our tips for how to choose your next career path, it’s important to address the idea of a “dream job.” Is there really such a thing? A lot of people aren’t so sure.
Can work be meaningful and fulfilling? Or, at the end of the day, is a job just something you have to do in order to make enough money to live a comfortable life?
We believe there is a dream job out there for you, and it is within reach.
So don’t get discouraged by the naysayers. People who say, “Work is just work,” or “Work isn’t supposed to be fun,” have a negative mindset. Don’t let them get to you.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Confucius
Honestly, why can’t you love your job? There’s absolutely no reason you can’t. When you are aligned with your passion and purpose, work can be not only profitable but incredibly rewarding.
A new job can transform your life—whether it’s a corporate job that’s more in line with what you want or a career change to a more entrepreneurial path. A new job can give you the freedom to live your life in whatever way will make you happiest.
So, whether you’re a high school grad or transitioning your path later in life, we’ve got you covered. Here is some guidance on choosing your next chapter.
10 Tips to Help You Find Your Dream Job
Now that we’ve affirmed your belief in the existence of a dream job, here are 10 tips to help you answer the all-important question, “What should I do for a living?”
1. Evaluate Your Current Job
In order to get where you want to go, you need to take some time to evaluate where you are now. Are you truly unhappy with your career path? Or are you just feeling the stress of a busy time?
Pull out your journal and make a list of the pros and cons of your chosen career. What do you like about your current role? What is your least favorite aspect of the position? How would a new job change your daily enjoyment of life?
Don’t just answer these questions in your head! It’s crucial to write down the answers and keep them with you. That way, you can go back and reflect on your answers again later.
A career change is a big decision, so give it the consideration it deserves.
2. Look At How You Spend Your Free Time
In order to determine what kind of new career would make you happy, you need to figure out what lights you up in general.
So we have another exercise for you. Take out that journal again and start writing down what you do in your free time.
What do you lose track of time doing? What do you love doing even though no one pays you? Think about what you are passionate about and how you might turn that passion into a profit.
What you choose to do when no one is watching is often a fantastic hint at what you’d like your dream job to be.
3. Identify Core Values
When you are in alignment with your core values in every area of life, including your career, your life will be so much better.
How do you choose your core values? Think about what is most important to you. Ask your loved ones what comes to mind when they think of you. What do they associate you with on a broad scale? This can help give you clarity. Then write down 5 core values in your journal.
Examples might be:
- Service
- Authenticity
- Growth
- Persistence
- Purpose
Your core values can literally be anything that either touches your heart or lights a fire under your butt!
You must look beyond what you do and look to the motivation behind your actions. Only then will you truly understand yourself and what a fulfilling life could look like. This is the path to self-realization.
4. Discover Your Strengths
Next, you need to think about what you’re good at. What do you truly excel at without even trying? Or what skills have you worked hard to become great at?
Maybe it’s music.
Maybe it’s social media.
Maybe it’s interacting with people.
Maybe it’s video games. (Hey, no judgment.)
Everyone is really good at something.
Make a note of what that is for you, and figure out how you can use it in your future career.
5. Brainstorm Your Life Purpose
Then, think about your life purpose. What kind of impact do you want to make? When they recite the eulogy at your funeral, what accomplishments do you want recognized?
Is there a cause that you want to further?
Is there something you feel called to create?
Do you feel led to be a parent?
Whatever it is, find your life purpose and follow it.
6. Find Inspiration
If you’re feeling unmotivated or unfulfilled, it’s time to spice up your life! Listen to a pump-up anthem or read a life-changing book. Talk to a friend you admire or a mentor you look up to. Go to church or take a nature hike. Do something—anything—that will light you up. Don’t let a disappointing job eat away at your overall happiness.
There are many areas that make up your life. Focus on how you can bring joy to at least one.
7. Get Career Coaching
When you’re serious about getting a new career, seeing a career coach is a great idea. This is especially true if you’re pursuing a career change in a traditional industry.
An experienced career coach can help you take personality and skills assessments, polish your resume and even decide on the best career path for you.
Find an established, trustworthy professional and ask for their assistance. Or, go to a local community career center. Many counties in the United States offer these services free of charge.
8. Research the Marketplace
Before you enter a particular industry or career, it’s important to understand the climate. So it’s time to do some research! Once you choose a potential career path, get your Google on.
Research the marketplace. What’s the job availability like? What’s the turnover rate? Are companies doing well in this industry, or are they struggling?
Find out what you’re getting into ahead of time… or you may regret it down the line.
9. Experiment
Now you’re ready to dip your toes in the water and experiment. So look for ways to try out this new career path and see if it’s a good fit.
You could get a part-time job or volunteer in the new industry. You could also start a podcast, launch a blog, invest in real estate or play any number of related roles in the industry of your choice to see if you really want to shift gears. You’ll never know until you try, right? So go ahead and try!
It’s so important to “try it before you buy it.” You don’t want to be stuck in a full-time gig that you hate.
Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.
Albert Einstein
10. Re-evaluate Your Ideal Role
Now that you’ve chosen an industry, you have to think (and re-think) about the role you really want. Do you want to be an employee of a small business, a leader at a startup or the CEO of your own business?
If you are more of a doer than a maker, the corporate life is probably for you. But if you thrive on self-motivation and management, starting your own business can be incredibly fulfilling.
If you want to love what you do, abandon the passion mindset (“what can the world offer me?”) and instead adopt the craftsman mindset (“what can I offer the world”).
Cal Newport
Ready to Find Your Dream Job?
Is it possible to find your dream job? A job where you’re able to pursue your passion? One where you can live out your life purpose? The answer is of course, and it’s something Dean knows first hand.
You can create the life you love. You can live your life with passion and purpose. But it’s up to you to make a change and start your new career. And if you’re ready to create your own business, we can help.
One note to end on…
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
Steve Jobs
