Many of us can sometimes feel stuck in our jobs, unsure of what our next move should be. Perhaps we feel like we’re just going through the motions, lacking a sense of purpose or fulfillment. When feelings like this begin to crop up, it may be time to invest some energy into self-discovery at work.
Spending some time in a few key activities can help us understand better what truly “makes us tick”.
Identifying fields that we’re truly passionate about makes it much easier to find a job we truly love.
While this can seem overwhelming, it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to pursue our passions.
By following a few basic steps, we can identify our dream job and take the necessary steps to make it a reality.
What is Self-Discovery?
Before we dive into self-discovery at work, let’s talk a bit about self-discovery in general.
Self-discovery is the process of exploring and understanding ourselves, our values, strengths, and weaknesses.
It’s about gaining clarity on what truly matters to us and aligning actions to our authentic self.
Why is Self-Discovery at Work Important?
When we know ourselves better, we can make better decisions about our career path and find a job that truly aligns with our values and passions.
Most of us spend about half of our waking hours working, so ensuring that our job and career aligns with our values has a tremendous impact on our mental health and well-being.
Getting clear on our values and passions also helps us to communicate more effectively with all the people we work with – colleagues, staff, and managers.
It also helps us build stronger relationships and increase overall job satisfaction.
How to Start Your Journey of Self-Discovery at Work
Step 1: Self-Discovery at Work Starts with Self-Reflection
The first step to find your dream job is to invest some time in self-reflection.
Think about your strengths, passions, and what you really enjoy doing.
What motivates you? What do you care about most? Identify your core values and how they show up in your work.
When your work is aligned with your values, you’ll feel more fulfilled and engaged.
Make a list of your skills and interests and identify any patterns or themes that emerge.
What are you good at? What do you struggle with?
Knowing your strengths can help you find work that plays to your strengths, while understanding your weaknesses can help you identify areas for growth and development.
Self-reflection can help you to identify the type of work that would be most fulfilling and enjoyable.
Step 2: Self-Discovery at Work Requires us to Get Feedback
Another key strategy to enable self-discovery at work is to do some informal research at your current job.
Ask your colleagues and managers for feedback on your work.
What do they see as your strengths and areas for improvement?
This can help you gain a more objective perspective on yourself and your performance.
Research other opportunities at your job, too.
For example, is there a way to step outside of your comfort zone and try new thing?
Take on a new project? Volunteer for a committee?
Branching out may help you discover new talents and interests and expand your professional network.
Step 3: Self-Discovery at Work Includes Networking
Speaking of networking…. networking is one of the most important tools to help you find a job you love.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking for a new opportunity, networking can help you build relationships, learn about new job openings, and get your foot in the door.
Networking is also a great way to feed your own self-reflection, to enable your process of self-discovery at work.
There are many aspects to networking that may be worth exploring.
A good first step is to reach out to friends, family members, and former colleagues to let them know that you’re looking for a new opportunity.
To take it to the next level, also consider the following strategies:
- Industry events are a great way to meet people who work in your field. When attending an event, make sure to bring plenty of business cards. Be prepared to introduce yourself and talk about your experience and goals. Don’t forget to follow up with people you meet to stay in touch.
- Joining a professional organization is a great way to network and learn new skills. These organizations often hold events and workshops where you can meet other professionals in your field and learn about new job opportunities. Plus, being a member of a professional organization can look great on your resume. Becoming active in a professional organization can also help you to identify an area of interest.
- Social media is a powerful tool for networking. LinkedIn is a great platform for connecting with other professionals in your industry. Make sure your profile is current and professional, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire or who work in your field. You can also use Twitter and Instagram to connect with people and stay up to date on industry news.
- Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and gain valuable experience. Look for volunteer opportunities in your community or in your field. You’ll not only be helping others, but you’ll also be building your network, developing new skills, and enriching your personal process of self-discovery at work.
- Informational interviews are a great way to learn about different companies and industries. Reach out to people who work in your field and ask if they would be willing to meet with you and answer some questions about their job and company. This can help you learn more about what you’re interested in and make valuable connections.
Networking is all about building relationships and making connections.
Remember to be authentic, professional, and respectful when networking, and always follow up with people you meet.
By attending industry events, joining professional organizations, using social media, volunteering, and attending informational interviews, you can build your network and find a job you love.
Step 4: Self-Discovery at Work May Include Education and Training
If you think your dream job may require specific skills or education, consider going back to school or pursuing additional training opportunities.
Look for online courses or in-person classes that can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in your desired field.
This extra education and training can make you a more competitive candidate for your dream job.
Step 5: Research and Job Search
Now that you have a better understanding of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start researching potential job opportunities.
Use online job boards and career websites to find positions that align with your skills and interests.
Look for companies and industries that excite you and read up on the job requirements and responsibilities.
This research will help you identify job openings that are a good fit for your skills and interests.
Use the job boards and networking contacts you’ve identified to apply for positions that align with your skills and interests.
Be sure to customize your resume and cover letter for each position, highlighting your relevant experience and skills.
Remember to follow up on your applications and take every opportunity to network and make new connections.
Self-Discovery at Work: How to Find Your Dream Job
Finding our dream job can be a long and challenging process, but by following these steps, we can each identify the type of work that is most fulfilling and enjoyable. We must stay positive and persistent, and never give up on pursuing our passions!
Ideally, self-discovery is a lifelong journey, but it’s never too late to start.
By implementing the suggestions above, we will all be positioned well to unleash our full potential at work and find greater meaning and fulfillment in our career.
Need more input on how to make the best of your current situation? Check out 10 Best Career Tips Ever.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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One Response
Although self-discovery should ideally be a lifelong adventure, it is never too late to begin.