Table of Contents
Introduction
Finding purpose and meaning in our work has become a significant question for many of us in recent years. The past few years have prompted us to reflect on the value and meaning of our professional output. Purpose-driven work that aligns with our values can make us feel energized and inspired. According to Sara Cremer, an executive and personal coach, when our job or work environment aligns with our internal values, we feel like we’re in the right place, doing the right thing, at the right time. However, if we feel that something is missing, it’s important to remember that wanting something different in our careers is normal, especially as we progress further in our careers. In fact, it may indicate that we are about to find our true purpose and meaning.
Reflecting on Professional Output
Reflecting on our professional output and whether it has meaning is a natural response to the changing world around us. Many individuals have found themselves questioning the significance of their work in recent years. This introspection can lead to a desire for purpose-driven work that aligns with our values. When our job or work environment aligns with our internal values, we feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Sara Cremer, an executive and personal coach, suggests that if we feel that something is missing in our current work, it’s important to remember that it’s normal to want something different as we progress in our careers. This desire for change may indicate that we are on the verge of finding our true purpose and meaning.
The Importance of Purpose-Driven Work
Purpose-driven work is work that aligns with our values and provides a sense of meaning and fulfillment. When we feel that our job or work environment is in line with what is truly important to us, we experience a sense of purpose and satisfaction. This type of work energizes and inspires us, and we can easily recognize when we have found it. However, if we feel that something is missing and our current work does not provide the sense of purpose we desire, it’s important not to panic. According to Sara Cremer, this feeling is normal, especially as we progress further in our careers. It may indicate that we are on the cusp of finding our true purpose and meaning.
Embracing a Career Pivot
When we feel that our current job or work environment no longer aligns with our values or provides the sense of purpose we desire, it may be time to consider a career pivot. A career pivot involves making a significant change in our career path to pursue work that is more aligned with our values and provides a deeper sense of meaning. This can be a daunting prospect, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Sharing Skills and Inspiring the Next Generation
One way to find deeper meaning and purpose in our work is to share our skills and inspire the next generation. Becoming a teacher in further education, for example, can be incredibly fulfilling. If we have been working in a specific industry throughout our career, we likely have valuable skills and real-world experience to pass on. These skills and experiences can make a significant impact on the lives of our students and provide us with a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
A Personal Story: Sophie Ellen Lachowycz
Sophie Ellen Lachowycz, a former fashion and portrait photographer, found purpose and meaning through a career pivot into teaching in further education. After running workshops at West Suffolk College, she realized that teaching offered a new level of enrichment and fulfillment. Lachowycz decided to pursue teaching more seriously and trained while lecturing part-time and continuing her photography work. She views teaching and photography as interconnected, as she can teach practical techniques and methods to her students while also honing her own skills and experimenting with new practices. Teaching in further education also provides her with flexibility and stability, as she has regular income and ample time to focus on her photography work during holidays. Lachowycz finds immense satisfaction in helping her students produce work they are proud of and explore potential career paths, making a positive impact on their lives.
Passing on Skills and Experience
Regardless of our field or business, finding work that aligns with our core values is a crucial step in finding professional purpose. Entrepreneur Jo Malone OBE, for example, has found purpose and meaning in running her own business by instilling her personal values of creativity, entrepreneurship, resilience, honesty, and integrity. Malone also finds fulfillment in passing on her skills and experience to the next generation. By sharing her story and providing training opportunities, she allows others to experience an entrepreneurial journey from start to finish.
The Value of Skills and Experience
The skills and experience we gather over the course of our careers are often more valuable than we realize. Identifying and sharing these skills and experiences in further education can be the key to unlocking a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Regardless of our current profession, there is likely a further education course where our industry skills and experience would be invaluable. Whether it’s photography, law, healthcare, engineering, or technology, our expertise can make a significant impact on the lives of students and help shape their future careers.
Finding Your Sense of Purpose
If you are inspired to find your own sense of purpose in your work, it’s important to take the time to explore what truly makes you feel enthusiastic and engaged. Sara Cremer advises setting a date in the future to make a decision about your future career. This allows you to park any overwhelming thoughts about why nothing feels right and instead focus on discovering new opportunities. Remember that careers are rarely all good or all bad, and it’s normal to desire change and growth as you progress in your professional journey.
In conclusion, finding purpose and meaning in our work is a deeply personal and important endeavor. When our job or work environment aligns with our values and provides a sense of fulfillment, we experience a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction. However, if we feel that something is missing, it’s important to remember that it’s normal to want something different as we progress further in our careers. Embracing a career pivot and sharing our skills and experiences in further education can be a powerful way to find deeper meaning and make a positive impact on the lives of others. So take the time to reflect on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment and explore opportunities that align with your values and aspirations. Your journey to finding purpose and meaning in your work is just beginning.
