Finding meaningful work. Creating satisfaction in everyday life. Developing a stable and stress-free future.
People tend to forget about these positive aspects of career building. Many job seekers are so busy grumbling about money, job boards and interviews that they forget about one of life’s big adventures: Moving forward. Taking calculated risks. Learning lessons. Trying new things.
Instead of enjoying the unfolding process of job searching, these candidates focus only on the outcome. Job searching is a means to an end, and the objective is to spend as little time and energy as possible, and wind up with a great new job.
Goal-oriented job seeking is not a bad thing. But there is another way. It’s just as easy, and arguably more fulfilling, to land a position without concentrating so intently on the job itself.
I’m not saying that the end result isn’t significant, nor am I telling you to drop everything and go find meaningful employment, although that’s not such a bad idea.
Right now, I’m talking about running a meaningful job search.
What is a meaningful job search? It is a series of actions that you define based on your needs, desires, personal situation and worldview. And it is the implementation of these actions with the intention to make things better for yourself, your family or the community.
Think about your job hunt for a moment, and the arc of your career. What would make you happier on a daily basis, with regard to your professional life? Some of you will say “more money.” Others will reply “more time.” Still others dream of a completely different field, one that circles around creativity, technology, construction or sales.
If your current industry doesn’t suit you, and you allow this realization to put you on a new path, your job hunt has become meaningful already. Be true to yourself, and you will make a difference in yourself, your family and the community.
Taking this idea a step further, reflect on the ways that your job search can help make things better for the people around you. What are your personal values and priorities? Are you targeting companies with mission statements that match your own?
Let’s say that you are passionate about saving the environment. You recycle, drive a hybrid car and even grow your own food. For you, a meaningful job search may entail careful review of the companies you target, ensuring that their business practices align with your own eco-friendly lifestyle.
Here’s another example. Let’s say that you come from a religious community, but your beliefs don’t run as deeply as those of your family and friends. You feel pressured to apply for positions that don’t necessarily suit your daily practices.
For you, a meaningful job search may involve asking yourself some big, important questions, and then turning to the people around you to discuss your perspective. Again, the outcome is not as crucial as the process. Regardless of the decisions you make, conversation often builds bridges, strengthens relationships and creates a more fulfilling life.
There are many ways to achieve your career goals. Proceed in a positive, authentic way; you’ll end up with something even more valuable than a new job.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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