What kind of work makes you look forward to your day and leaves you feeling fulfilled?
Have you ever been unhappy in a role but struggled to explain why? Maybe you’re comfortable in your role, but you feel frustrated, demotivated or uncertain. When you feel this way, it can be tempting to take another job just to get away from the one you are in. Instead of running away from a role that isn’t working for you, what if you focused on moving toward one that gives you a feeling of satisfaction? Before making your next move, take some time to think what’s important to you. What kind of role would make you look forward to going to work each day?
For some people, it’s having the opportunity to be creative or solve complex problems. For others, it’s collaborating with colleagues, helping people or seeing the impact of their work. We all get our energy and sense of fulfillment from different things. Understanding what energizes and fulfills you can help you recognize the kind of role that would bring you satisfaction.
Discover What Energizes and Fulfills You
What role made you feel happiest at work? Was it the work you were doing, the people you worked with, the opportunity to contribute or something else? What would a great day at work look like for you? Now consider what drains your energy or leaves you feeling dissatisfied.
Reflect on your past experiences and make two lists:
- What Energizes and Fulfills Me
- What Leaves Me Feeling Dissatisfied
What do they tell you about the kind of work and environment where you would be happiest?
3 Key Insights
- It’s important to recognize what type of role is one where you can grow and thrive. You don’t want just any role.
- When you’re energized by your work, you’re more likely to feel motivated, engaged and satisfied with what you’re doing.
- Understanding what energizes and fulfills you can help you make more informed decisions about your next career move.
Self-Reflection Questions
- When have I felt happiest at work, and what made me feel that way?
- What kind of work gives me energy and satisfaction, and what leaves me feeling depleted?
- What would a great day at work look like for me? What does that tell me about the kind of role I want?
Now that you have a better understanding of what energizes and fulfills you, consider this question from the Linsight Brief, Your Career, Your Direction:
I want __________, but __________ is holding me back.
Would you answer it differently today? Knowing what energizes and fulfills you, do you still want the same thing?
Coming Next: Creating Your Action Plan
With a clearer picture of the kind of work you want, how can you move toward it? In the next Linsight Brief, we’ll look at turning that clarity into an action plan.
What I Did Wrong
Early in my career, I was happy to be working and earning an income. I didn’t stop to think about what I wanted from my career or how I wanted to feel in a role. I kept working hard, hoping the next opportunity would come along.
What I Learned
- Being unhappy in a role made me realize that I needed to understand what was missing, rather than simply look for another job.
- I realized that being creative and helping people be their best selves gave me energy and a sense of fulfillment. This was the kind of work that excited me each day.
- Knowing what mattered to me helped me make decisions about where I wanted my career to go.
What I Did Differently
When I moved into Learning & Development, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I enjoyed what I was doing and the people I worked with. I felt happy, energized and fulfilled. From then on, I made career decisions based on whether a role would give me that same feeling of satisfaction. Managing teams and helping people grow and develop led me to discover my passion for coaching.
Key Takeaways
- Notice what gives you energy. What kind of work makes you look forward to your day?
- Think about what fulfills you. When do you feel satisfied with your work and the contribution you’re making?
- Use those answers to consider what kind of role would be the right next career move for you.
