How to Create the Career You Truly Desire. As a holistic life and career coach, I work with individuals who long for a career that not only sustains them financially but also fulfils them on a personal level. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field, pivot into something entirely new, or simply find a more rewarding balance, creating the career you truly want involves more than just updating your cv or applying for jobs. It requires a holistic approach that includes self-discovery, goal-setting, action, and resilience.
Here’s a guide to help you take practical and reflective steps toward crafting a career that aligns with your values, strengths, and aspirations.
Get Clear on Your “Why” and “Who Am I?“
The first step in creating the career you want is understanding what truly drives you. Reflect on what gives you purpose and brings you joy in your life. Is it helping others, being creative, solving complex problems, or working as part of a team? Your “why” is the core motivation that will keep you going even when the path gets challenging. It might be helpful to consider:
- What impact do I want to have on others or the world?
- What strengths do I enjoy using in my work?
- Which accomplishments am I most proud of, and why?
This reflection will help you hone in on roles or fields that are likely to feel meaningful and satisfying.
Identify Your Core Values and Non-Negotiables
A truly fulfilling career aligns with your personal values. If you value flexibility, freedom, creativity, or community, these should be central elements of your career choice. Sometimes, work environments that don’t align with our values can create stress and dissatisfaction. For example:
- If work-life balance is crucial, prioritise roles that offer flexible hours or remote options.
- If continuous growth is essential, look for opportunities with a strong culture of learning and development.
Identifying these values early on helps you focus on opportunities that are aligned with the life you want to live.
Audit Your Skills and Interests
What are the skills you’re most proud of, and which ones would you love to develop further? A good starting point is to conduct a skills and strengths audit. Take stock of the abilities you already possess and identify areas where you may need to grow. It might be helpful to ask yourself:
- Which of my skills have been most valuable in my current or past roles?
- Are there skills I’ve yet to develop that excite me or would help me reach my goals?
Once you’ve identified your skills and interests, look for roles or fields that demand those abilities. Consider upskilling or gaining new certifications if necessary.
Set Clear Goals and Action Steps
Without clear goals, creating the career you want can feel overwhelming. Break your career vision down into specific, achievable goals. Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals that will serve as milestones. For example:
- “In the next six months, I will complete a course in project management to transition into this field.”
- “By next year, I’ll have networked with five professionals in my desired field and secured an interview.”
Breaking your vision into smaller steps will help keep you focused and motivated along the journey.
Seek Out Mentors and Network Strategically
The career journey is rarely travelled alone. Seek out mentors, coaches, or colleagues who can provide insights, guidance, and support. Networking can feel intimidating, but building genuine connections within your field or industry can open doors you didn’t even know existed. To get started:
- Attend industry events, seminars, or conferences (both virtual and in-person).
- Engage in online professional communities where people in your desired field gather.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn for informational interviews.
Mentors can offer valuable feedback, share their own experiences, and even advocate for you within their network.
Build Resilience and Adaptability
Creating the career you desire often requires resilience, as there may be setbacks and uncertainties along the way. Cultivate resilience by viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and by developing the flexibility to adapt as needed. Remember:
- Perseverance is essential for career change and growth; setbacks are part of the process.
- Embrace a growth mindset: Believe in your ability to develop skills and overcome obstacles.
- Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Keeping your bigger vision in mind can help you stay focused on the end goal, even when the day-to-day gets tough.
Invest in Continuous Learning and Self-Care
In a world where industries and roles are rapidly evolving, committing to lifelong learning will ensure you stay current and open to new opportunities. Whether it’s through online courses, certifications, or workshops, continually developing your skills will keep you competitive. But remember, self-care is equally crucial:
- Set boundaries to avoid burnout.
- Take regular breaks to recharge and reflect on your progress.
- Cultivate hobbies and activities outside of work that bring you joy.
Balancing professional growth with self-care ensures that you don’t just have a career that looks good on paper but one that feels good in your daily life.
Final Thoughts
Creating the career you truly want is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, growth, and perseverance. By aligning your career with your personal values, skills, and goals, you can build a professional life that not only sustains you financially but also nourishes you on a personal level. Remember, you are the creator of your own career, and with intention and persistence, you can create a path that feels fulfilling and uniquely yours.
This journey takes time, courage, and commitment. But with the right approach and a willingness to adapt, you can achieve a career that resonates deeply with who you are and who you’re striving to become.
