Insights

By Teodora Jakubčionytė

Are you feeling lost or unfulfilled in your current career? Do you find yourself daydreaming about a different path?

You’re not alone, as a study conducted in 2022 in the UK found that 36 percent of people are unhappy in their jobs.

In this article, we’ll explore some strategies for finding your passion, discovering your unique career path and tips for pursuing it.

Reflect on your interests and values

Start by reflecting on what interests you and what values are most important to you. Think about what makes you happy and what you’re passionate about. It could be anything from cooking to helping others, from technology to the environment.

Once you have a list of your interests and values, start thinking about how they could translate into a career. Look for jobs or industries that align with your passions and values.

Try new things

It sounds simple, however, it is true that it’s hard to know what you’re truly passionate about until you try it. If you’re unsure about what you want to do, try new things. Take a class or workshop on something that interests you, volunteer for a cause you care about, or shadow someone in a job you think you might like. For example, you could reach out to your local animal shelter and offer them your skills in social media management or photography. Volunteer positions often don’t require you to have a lot or any experience and you are free to learn as you go. You might need to put in effort in reaching out to people or booking a class, but whether you like the activity or not, you will have learned something new about yourself.

So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You never know where it might lead you.

Talk to others

Sometimes it’s hard to see your own strengths and passions. You know yourself best, but talking to others can help you gain perspective and get ideas for what you might be good at. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for their thoughts.

You can also seek out a mentor or career coach who can help guide you through the process of finding your passion. A coach helps you explore your strengths and passions by asking you targeted questions and providing exercises to help you gain clarity on your goals. They can help you identify any roadblocks or limiting beliefs that may be holding you back and provide strategies for overcoming them.

Research and explore

Once you have some ideas of what you might be interested in, do your research. Learn as much as you can about the job or industry, including the day-to-day tasks, required skills, and salary range. Consider what you would like from a job – for example, if you want to work remotely only, some jobs such as lab work will not be a good choice. Explore job boards and career websites to see what positions are available and what qualifications they require. Look for companies or organisations that align with your values and mission. Take a look at how many companies are hiring and how the industry is doing at the moment – in some cases, it might be a good idea to wait even if you have the relevant qualifications until the hiring market is stable again.

Consider education or training

If you discover that your desired career path requires additional education or training, consider pursuing a degree, certification, or taking courses to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. If you want to become a graphic designer, you may need to take courses in graphic design software and principles or if you’re set on becoming a nurse, you will need to complete a university degree.

Investing in education or training can be a significant commitment of time and money, but it can also open up new opportunities and help you achieve your career goals. There are boot camps, especially in tech, that offer guaranteed interviews after completing them and can be a great help in the job search. 

Take action

Once you’ve identified your passion and researched potential career paths, it’s time to take action. Start by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Network with professionals in the industry and attend events or conferences to learn more and make connections.

If necessary, consider going back to school or taking courses to gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue your passion. Don’t be afraid to take a risk and make a change.

In conclusion, finding your passion and pursuing a career that aligns with your values can lead to greater fulfilment and happiness in your work. It is always a risk you take, but remember that your happiness is worth it!