Chasing the Ideal Career: Does Professional Perfection Exist?
Once upon a time, you wanted to grow up and make a lot of money … and find great meaning in your work … and be recognized for your contributions … and enjoy job security … and live a stress-free, balanced life.
Can this story ever come true? Many people we talk to are trying to determine what’s “realistic” to want/expect in their jobs and careers.
Whether you’re actively seeking a new job, making a career shift — or simply trying to achieve more professional reward — do you find yourself wanting it all? Is it ever possible to have it all?
We like to think so. But your idea of career happiness is unique to you.
Identifying it starts with self-reflection: What do you want most? How badly do you want it? And what are you willing and able to do to get there?
What Do You Want Most?
Imagine your dream home. Is it a loft-style condo in a bustling urban area, a spacious house in the ‘burbs or a cozy cabin off the beaten track?
Have you always wished for a state-of-the-art kitchen? Is an attached garage a must-have? How important is a large backyard? The list goes on and on.
If your dream house doesn’t exist — or fit into your budget — you begin to make concessions. Chances are, some factors will be non-negotiable. Others will be lower on your list of priorities. Still others won’t matter to you at all.
Your job is your career “dwelling.” While you can’t purchase it like you can a home, finding one that’s as close to your vision will help pave the path to your professional satisfaction.
If you could click your heels three times and land in career heaven, what would might you find there? Would you:
make more money;
realize your full potential;
be valued for your contributions;
enjoy a culture that encourages new ideas and collaboration;
find significant meaning in your work;
make a difference in your community — or world;
be less stressed;
attain better work-life balance;
experience greater stability (in your department, company or industry); and/or
discover or rediscover your passion, if you have one (not everyone does)
How would you rank each of these factors in terms of importance to you, at this stage of your career? (P.S. This list is not exhaustive … what would you add to it?)
The Ideal Career: How Badly Do YOU Want It?
Think about the priorities you deemed highest on your list.
Do they align with your true interests and values? Are you willing to own them? Be honest with yourself — and with others, especially those who might be influencing your career choices.
People sometimes land in jobs or career by chance rather than deliberate choice. Are you a lawyer because you come from a long line of lawyers, or do you truly love practicing law? If your career aligns with your idea of professional bliss, great!
If not, it’s time to do some career soul-searching. Assessments can help you explore your strengths, skills, personality type, interests and core values. One of the assessments we use in our career coaching sessions reveals your top five values, ranked in order. These values reflect your non-negotiables. They mean the most to you. Let them be a trusted personal compass while you evaluate career choices and specific job opportunities.
What Are You Willing to Do to Get There?
Your dream home might be out there, but it won’t come searching for you. Finding the ideal place to live takes research, perseverance, patience, time and energy — all in significant amounts.
So does achieving professional happiness. Are you willing to put in the time and expend the energy to find the job or career that brings you as close to “having it all” as possible?
What are you willing to sacrifice — or not?
If earning an advanced degree is going to put you in a financial bind in your 40s, 50s or 60s, maybe now’s not the time to take that leap. Perhaps a smaller leap — enrolling in an online training or certification course — feels more palatable. Whichever path you choose, be at peace with your decision. Don’t judge yourself or allow others to judge you for it.
It’s easy to overlook your role in achieving career satisfaction. Take a look at the things you deemed most important to you. Differentiate between what comes with your ideal job or career — and what you bring to the table.
Take stress, for example. Sure, some careers are inherently more stressful than others. But feeling stressed all the time could be within your control to change — without changing jobs.
Perhaps engaging in a ten-minute meditation practice twice a day would do wonders to help your ability to cope with challenging situations (or people). If work-life balance is critical to you at this stage of your life, maybe you can negotiate a flexible work schedule, or work remotely 1-2 days a week.
You are the architect of your career, with more control over your professional destiny — and joyful engagement in it — than you might realize. Sometimes it begins with the smallest kernel of curiosity. Follow it … and it may just lead you to your happy work (and workplace) after all.
Ready to begin the next chapter in your professional story?
We can help you take the first step.
Learn more about our Career Coaching services.