How to Find a Career You Actually Enjoy: Evidence-Based Tips
Finding a career that you truly enjoy can be one of the most rewarding achievements in life. However, with so many options and societal pressures, it can be hard to navigate what truly suits you. Grace Lorden, a Professor of Behavioral Science, offers evidence-based techniques to help you figure out what career path is the best fit for you. In this article, we break down seven actionable steps you can take to move closer to a job that brings you both fulfillment and success.
Tip 1: Task Over Title
One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a career is getting overly attached to a job title. The allure of titles like “investment banker,” “doctor,” or “entrepreneur” can cloud your judgment, causing you to ignore the actual tasks associated with those roles. In fact, you may idealize a job title without understanding the day-to-day responsibilities that come with it.
Lorden suggests focusing on the tasks you’ll actually be doing in the role, rather than the title itself. Are you excited about the tasks involved? Do you enjoy the work itself, rather than the prestige it brings? For example, many people think being a neurosurgeon sounds glamorous but fail to consider the long hours and challenging responsibilities. Instead of just thinking about the title, delve deeper into what the role involves on a daily basis and ask yourself if that work aligns with your personal interests.
Tip 2: Visualize Your ‘Me Plus’
Another excellent exercise from Grace Lorden is to visualize what your “Me Plus” would look like. This is the version of yourself that you aspire to be—someone who embodies your ideal career, skills, and lifestyle. This visualization helps you understand the big picture of what you’re working towards.
In her book, Lorden encourages you to picture your job title, the industry you want to work in, and the characteristics of the company. But more importantly, she asks you to drill down into what tasks you want to be doing on a daily basis. The activities should be aligned with your long-term goals and personal interests. For example, do you enjoy coaching, solving problems, teaching, or working in a creative field? Once you’ve defined your “Me Plus,” you can start taking small steps to achieve that version of yourself.
Tip 3: Audit Your Time
To further move towards a career you enjoy, it’s important to audit how you’re spending your time. This simple yet powerful exercise involves tracking what you’re actually doing throughout the day and evaluating whether it’s helping you get closer to your ideal career.
Lorden suggests marking each task on your calendar with a symbol that reflects how it aligns with your goals. For example, you could use a plus sign for activities that bring you closer to your dream job and a minus sign for tasks that take you further away. This can help identify time drains that you might not be fully aware of, allowing you to eliminate unproductive tasks and focus on what matters most.
Tip 4: Commit 13 Minutes a Day
Grace Lorden advises that you commit just 13 minutes a day towards developing skills that will help you get closer to the career you desire. This may sound small, but it can have a huge compounding effect over time. Whether it’s learning to code, improving your writing, or mastering another skill, dedicating just 13 minutes a day consistently can lead to significant progress.
The key is consistency. Small, daily investments in your career development can compound over time, giving you the skills and experience needed to transition into a job you love. Think of it like saving money for the future—small, steady contributions can lead to big rewards.
Tip 5: You Don’t Need to Go Back to University
One of the most surprising insights from Lorden’s work is that you don’t necessarily need to return to university to pursue a career that you love. There are many free or affordable resources available today that allow you to learn new skills without the need for a formal degree.
While a university degree can be helpful, it’s not the only path to success. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs and career changers have gained their expertise through self-learning, online courses, or on-the-job training. So before committing to a degree or an expensive program, consider exploring the many other ways to build the skills you need.
Tip 6: Embrace U-Turns
Career paths are rarely linear, and sometimes the best decisions come from embracing the unexpected. Many of us are afraid to make a U-turn in our careers for fear of looking inconsistent or indecisive. However, Lorden emphasizes that changing your mind is often a sign of growth, not failure.
As you develop your career, you may discover that your values or interests shift. It’s okay to take a step back and reassess your direction. Embracing these U-turns can lead you to more fulfilling career opportunities in the long run. The key is being open to change and remaining adaptable as your career evolves.
Tip 7: Use a Grid Search Mindset
If you’re unsure about what career you truly enjoy, consider using a “grid search” approach. This involves exploring different roles, tasks, and industries to see what resonates with you. By testing different waters, you can gather data about what excites you and what doesn’t.
For example, start by identifying a few activities or job functions you’ve enjoyed in the past. Then, explore careers that allow you to do those tasks. As you move forward, keep refining your search by adjusting your approach based on the feedback and experiences you gain along the way.
Final Thoughts
Finding a career that you truly enjoy isn’t a quick or easy process, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s entirely possible. By focusing on the day-to-day tasks, visualizing your ideal self, auditing your time, and embracing flexibility, you can make steady progress towards a career that brings both fulfillment and success.
