5 answers
Addy
Student
Bluff City, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
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How do you know a job is right for you ?
Ive had the same job for a couple years. I love the people I'm working with but I don't feel fulfilled in what I do. I like the job but I don't know if it's because of my perspective or if it's just not the right job for me.
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5 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Addy,
I don't know what kind of job you currently have, so I'll have to keep it general. Do you enjoy the job itself, or just the people?
If your job has any possibility for advancement you can talk to your supervisor to find out if they are happy with your work, how you can get promoted and how you can qualify for a different/higher position in your organisation. If there is no possibility to advance, this job might just have run it's course.
Look at other employers where you would have a possibility to advance. That could be a job similar to your current role or a different kind of job where you have the qualifications. If you have connections from your current role, use them.
Identify different careers that you might enjoy and that have more prospects for career advancement. Check what qualifications are required. Go to school or join a training program if necessary to get those qualifications.
You can use job search sites like LinkedIn or Indeed to see what's available in your area, find companies that hire people with your qualifications and find people who work in jobs that you would like to have one day. See how they got there. When you have narrowed it down, target one or two roles and ask people for informational interviews.
Good luck!
KP
I don't know what kind of job you currently have, so I'll have to keep it general. Do you enjoy the job itself, or just the people?
If your job has any possibility for advancement you can talk to your supervisor to find out if they are happy with your work, how you can get promoted and how you can qualify for a different/higher position in your organisation. If there is no possibility to advance, this job might just have run it's course.
Look at other employers where you would have a possibility to advance. That could be a job similar to your current role or a different kind of job where you have the qualifications. If you have connections from your current role, use them.
Identify different careers that you might enjoy and that have more prospects for career advancement. Check what qualifications are required. Go to school or join a training program if necessary to get those qualifications.
You can use job search sites like LinkedIn or Indeed to see what's available in your area, find companies that hire people with your qualifications and find people who work in jobs that you would like to have one day. See how they got there. When you have narrowed it down, target one or two roles and ask people for informational interviews.
Good luck!
KP
Reem K
8
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Reem’s Answer
Hi that's an excellent question! I've been told if you do not learn new skills every 6 months, it is time to look for another job.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Sometimes I think might end up being work. If you are capable of the work and the environment is good, maybe you can find fulfillment through volunteering in the community or doing a side project (entrepreneurship). You may also seek to move up within the company. Maybe some mentorship or addition opportunities might help with the fulfillment.
Samantha Garrett
Systems Engineer
2
Answers
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hey there Addy!
In my career, I have found that there are four things that are important to me in a job feeling 'right': (1) the people I work with, (2) the mission and purpose of the organisation (3) the values and culture of the organisation and (4) the actual work I do on a day-to-day basis. If all of these four things felt good to me, then the job feels 'right'. However, as we grow and change as individuals, what used to feel right may not always feel right! In other words, it's normal that a job you've been in for a while may not feel right anymore :-) This has happened to me several times. It always starts with a feeling of vague dissatisfaction, which over time leads to a greater sense of knowing that it is time to move on. In most cases, the people I was working with were still great (1 above), and sometimes I was still enjoying the work I am doing (2 above), but the organisation itself has changed and no longer felt like a place I wanted to be part of every day. Remember that your career is a journey, made up of different places and people. When it is no longer feeling 100% right, it's a good time to start opening yourself up to new opportunities and just see what eventuates. All the best!
In my career, I have found that there are four things that are important to me in a job feeling 'right': (1) the people I work with, (2) the mission and purpose of the organisation (3) the values and culture of the organisation and (4) the actual work I do on a day-to-day basis. If all of these four things felt good to me, then the job feels 'right'. However, as we grow and change as individuals, what used to feel right may not always feel right! In other words, it's normal that a job you've been in for a while may not feel right anymore :-) This has happened to me several times. It always starts with a feeling of vague dissatisfaction, which over time leads to a greater sense of knowing that it is time to move on. In most cases, the people I was working with were still great (1 above), and sometimes I was still enjoying the work I am doing (2 above), but the organisation itself has changed and no longer felt like a place I wanted to be part of every day. Remember that your career is a journey, made up of different places and people. When it is no longer feeling 100% right, it's a good time to start opening yourself up to new opportunities and just see what eventuates. All the best!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Addy thank you for reaching out and asking your question. I find it such an important question about finding fulfillment in your career. It's completely normal to assess whether a job is the right fit for you, especially if you've been in the same position for a couple of years. Here are a few things that I think might help you determine if a job is right for you:
• Consider if the duties and responsibilities of your current job match your passions and interests. A satisfying job is usually one that aligns with your values and personal objectives.
• It's also crucial to evaluate if your present role offers chances for personal and professional growth. A job that pushes you and promotes growth can greatly enhance job satisfaction.
• My son shared that he had to determine if the company's values and work culture matched his own. Feeling in sync with your workplace values can boost your overall job satisfaction.
• A top priority for many is to assess how well your job accommodates your work-life balance. It's widely believed that a healthy equilibrium between work and personal life is vital for overall well-being and job satisfaction.
• Reflecting on the feedback and recognition you've received for your work is important. Despite what others may say, feeling valued and recognized for your contributions can lead to a positive work experience.
• It's essential to evaluate if your current job aligns with your long-term career ambitions. If it doesn't, think about what steps you can take to transition into a role that better suits your aspirations. This might mean further education or obtaining a specific certification.
• It's admirable that you appreciate your relationships with your colleagues, as a positive work environment and supportive coworkers are key to job satisfaction. However, it's just as important that the tasks you undertake and the nature of the job contribute to your personal fulfillment.
• Lastly, consider having candid discussions with your supervisor or mentor about your feelings and aspirations. Their insights and guidance can be invaluable in helping you navigate your career path.
Remember, Addy, career satisfaction is a journey, and it's perfectly fine to reassess and make adjustments that align with your changing goals and values.
• Consider if the duties and responsibilities of your current job match your passions and interests. A satisfying job is usually one that aligns with your values and personal objectives.
• It's also crucial to evaluate if your present role offers chances for personal and professional growth. A job that pushes you and promotes growth can greatly enhance job satisfaction.
• My son shared that he had to determine if the company's values and work culture matched his own. Feeling in sync with your workplace values can boost your overall job satisfaction.
• A top priority for many is to assess how well your job accommodates your work-life balance. It's widely believed that a healthy equilibrium between work and personal life is vital for overall well-being and job satisfaction.
• Reflecting on the feedback and recognition you've received for your work is important. Despite what others may say, feeling valued and recognized for your contributions can lead to a positive work experience.
• It's essential to evaluate if your current job aligns with your long-term career ambitions. If it doesn't, think about what steps you can take to transition into a role that better suits your aspirations. This might mean further education or obtaining a specific certification.
• It's admirable that you appreciate your relationships with your colleagues, as a positive work environment and supportive coworkers are key to job satisfaction. However, it's just as important that the tasks you undertake and the nature of the job contribute to your personal fulfillment.
• Lastly, consider having candid discussions with your supervisor or mentor about your feelings and aspirations. Their insights and guidance can be invaluable in helping you navigate your career path.
Remember, Addy, career satisfaction is a journey, and it's perfectly fine to reassess and make adjustments that align with your changing goals and values.