How to Find Fulfilling Work

In today’s super competitive job market, finding any kind of work can be tricky. Getting work that you truly love and find fulfilling can be even tougher. But, by exploring your passions and taking time to build your skills and credentials, you can get started on the career path that’s right for you! Even if you’re currently in a job that you don’t love, you can still find ways to get the most out of your work while you look for something better.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Exploring Your Interests

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    Make a list of activities you enjoy doing to help define your interests. Before you can find a fulfilling job, you’ll need to take some time to reflect and figure out what it is you’re looking for. Sit down and write down all the things you like to do, no matter how ordinary or trivial they might seem. Almost any interest can be related to a career in some way![1]
    • For example, if you’re passionate about gardening, this might translate well into a job in horticulture, landscaping, or plant conservation.
    • Examine the subjects you’ve enjoyed most in school, too. For instance, maybe you love biology or have a passion for history. If so, you might look for a career in one of these fields.
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    Identify past projects that excited you. Think about things you’ve worked on at work or in school. Are there any projects that really stand out to you as being special in some way? If so, this could be a sign that you’d flourish in a career that involves similar work.[2]
    • For instance, if you had a great time interviewing your classmates for a social studies project in high school, you might make a good journalist.
    • Think about what aspect of the project excited you. For example, maybe you loved designing the poster for a project you did in chemistry class, even though you aren’t crazy about chemistry. This could mean you have a knack for graphic design.
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    Evaluate your special skills and strengths. In addition to your interests, your skills can play a big part in determining your ideal career. Tally up some of the things you’re really good at, whether they’re specific skills or more general strengths.[3]
    • For instance, under general strengths, you might list things like being a good leader in group settings or being great at organizing your space.
    • More specific skills might include things like speaking a second language or being able to use video editing software.
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    Try taking a career interests test. There are a variety of assessments you can take to help you identify your special interests, strengths, and possible career paths. If you’re in school, ask your guidance counselor or academic advisor if you might be able take one of these tests on campus. Otherwise, you can take some of these tests for free online.[4]
    • For instance, the Holland Occupational Themes test is available for free on the web.[5] Do a search for “Holland Code test” or “RIASEC test.” The test will ask you to rate how much you would enjoy doing a variety of tasks and help you identify different types of careers that match with your interests.
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    Examine your values to figure out what’s important to you. Discovering your core values can help you figure out what you want to get out of life and your work. Think about the things that are most meaningful to you.[6] What kind of work could you do to support those key values in your life?
    • For example, if you value helping others, a career in healthcare or education might be a good fit for you. If you’re competitive or passionate about pushing your physical limits, you may do well as an athlete or fitness trainer.
    • If you’re not sure what your main values are, try taking a values assessment. Do a search for “life values inventory” to find one of these assessments online.[7]
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    Talk to a career counselor about jobs that suit your interests. If you’re in school, there may be a guidance counselor or career coach on staff who can help you narrow down possible career paths that would suit your skills, passions, and personality. If you’re not in school, do a search using terms like “career counselor near me” to find a professional career counselor in your area.[8]
    • Unfortunately, professional career counseling can get pricey. Many career coaches charge well over $100/hour for their services. However, you may be able to find free or affordable career counseling through a local government agency or nonprofit organization in your area.
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    Look to mentors for advice and insight about your career path. If you have a teacher, friend, relative, coworker, or boss who’s had a special impact on your life, they may be able to offer you some valuable advice.[9] Ask them if you can set a time to have a heart-to-heart talk about your future.
    • You might say something like, “I’m looking to make a career change, and I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to do from here. I’d love to start my own business, like you did. Could we grab lunch next week and talk about how you got started?”
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Developing Your Skills and Qualifications

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    Pursue a graduate degree if it’s required for the jobs you’re interested in. Some jobs call for more advanced degrees, like a Master’s, PhD, or even more specialized graduate degree. A graduate degree can also help you get higher-paying jobs in your chosen field.[10] If you’re interested in getting a graduate degree, read up on the requirements for your preferred program(s) so you can start preparing in advance.
    • For example, some graduate degrees in the humanities require you to pass reading exams in a second language (such as French or German). You can prepare ahead by studying these languages on your own or at the undergraduate level.
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    Go for a special certification to give yourself an edge. Some jobs require professional certifications or licenses, while others may give preference to candidates with certifications even if they don’t require them. Look into supplementing your degree with a certification or some continuing education classes to give your resume a boost.[11]
    • For some careers, a certification program may be all you need to qualify. For instance, in the U.S., you can become a medical assistant, paralegal, or web developer with just a 6-month certification program.[12]
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    Get experience with an internship if possible. Internships are designed to give you work experience when you’re just starting out in a new career. If you’re in school or university, talk to your guidance counselor of academic advisor about how to apply for internships. An internship will both look good on your resume and help you build practical skills that will help you in your career.[13]
    • In some cases, an internship can transition into a permanent job with the same company.
    • Unfortunately, many internships are unpaid, so not everyone can afford to take advantage of them. If you’re a student, but internships aren’t a good option for you, find out if your school or university offers a work-study program so you can get some paid job experience.[14]
    • Some common types of internships include research internships (in which you do research for a company), job shadowing (where you observe professionals on the job), and paid or unpaid work internships, in which you do the kind of work typical of professionals in your field.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Finding Good Jobs

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    Check job boards specific to your field to find good opportunities. If you’re actively looking for work, you might find opportunities that you’d otherwise miss if you use more specialized job boards. Find out if there are websites specific to your field where you can check for job postings.[15]
    • For example, if you’re interested in being a web developer, you can find specialized job listings on websites like Stack Overflow Jobs, Dice, or GitHub.
    • You can also find career-specific listings through professional association websites, like the American Medical Writers Association or the American Alliance of Museums. In some cases, you may need a membership to access job postings.
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    Participate in career fairs to find opportunities and make connections. You might not walk away from a career fair with a new job, but it’s a good way to meet people and find out about work opportunities in your area.[16] Search for “career fairs near me” to find out about upcoming events and learn how to attend them.
    • Colleges and universities sometimes host career fairs and expos for students and recent graduates. You might also be able to find large-scale job fairs in your area that are open to the general public.
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    Ask people in your network for recommendations. One of the best ways to find job opportunities is through people in your professional network. Ask around among people you know to find out if anyone is hiring. They might also be willing to be a professional reference or put in a good word for you![17]
    • Coworkers, bosses, teachers, and friends who work in fields you’re interested in are all good potential references.
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    Take advantage of professional networking sites like LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting with other professionals in your chosen field. You can also find job postings, educational articles, and a variety of other resources to help you get ahead in your career. Sign up for an account and use it to keep in touch with your colleagues, trade endorsements, or advertise your skills to recruiters. Make sure to keep your profile up-to-date so that it reflects your current skills and interests.[18]
    • While LinkedIn is the best-known professional networking platform, it’s not the only one out there. Sign up for similar sites like Xing, Opportunity, or Shapr to increase your scope and explore as many opportunities as possible.
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    Volunteer with organizations in your field to get your foot in the door. If you have the time and energy, volunteering can be a great way to build skills and connections that might lead to work opportunities. If there’s a company or other organization in your area that does work related to your chosen field, visit their website or call them to find out if they have volunteer opportunities available.[19]
    • For example, if you’re interested in breaking into the public health industry, you might volunteer at your local hospital or sign up with an organization like SOPHE (the Society for Public Health Education).
    • Even if you only end up volunteering for 2-3 hours on the weekends, you can still grow your network and add the experience to your resume!
    • Check out websites like NationalService.gov or VolunteerMatch.org to find volunteer opportunities in your community.
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    Get professional help with your resume or applications if you’re not getting work. Many job markets can be incredibly competitive, so half the battle is just getting someone to look at your application. If you’ve sent in tons of applications and aren’t getting any responses, ask a mentor or a professional career counselor for advice. They might be able to give you tips on how to make yourself stand out. You could even hire a professional resume writer.[20]
    • For example, just reformatting your resume to make it look less cluttered or adding some skills you hadn’t thought of could make a difference.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Finding Value in Your Current Work

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    Look at your current job as an opportunity for learning and growth. Most people don’t end up in their dream job right away. For many, finding a fulfilling job can be a lifelong journey. If you have a job currently and you aren’t happy with it, look for ways to make the most of it.[21] For example, you might:[22]
    • Think about skills you’ve learned from your current job that you can apply to your future work.
    • Make a list of people at your job who could serve as references for future job opportunities.
    • Look for learning opportunities in the negative aspects of your job. For instance, what are some red flags you’ll know to look out for next time you interview for a position? Have you learned anything about how to deal with difficult coworkers?
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    Focus on the aspects of your job that you enjoy. Make a list of things about your job that you like, whether it’s spending time with your coworkers or getting into a relaxing flow while you do the filing. You might also look for ways that your work has made a positive impact on individuals or your entire community.[23]
    • For example, maybe you find the details of your work boring, but you get a sense of satisfaction from knowing that you’re helping people.
    • You can also look at ways that your job is helping you meet personal goals, like saving up enough money to buy something you want or help support your family.
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    Set work-related goals to make your work more meaningful. Setting goals can give you focus and help you feel more challenged and fulfilled. Think about what you want to get out of your work, whether it’s a better performance review or experience that you can bring into another job. As you work towards your goals, make sure to celebrate and acknowledge your progress.[24]
    • Goals that are too big and vague can set you up for frustration. Set goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). For instance, instead of saying, “I’m going to get a better job soon,” you might set a goal like sending out a certain number of applications by the end of the month.
    • Not all your goals have to be big or long-term. You can also set small, short-term goals for yourself, like reorganizing your files or completing a certain number of tasks for the day. Even meeting a small goal can give you a sense of satisfaction!
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    Find fulfilling things to do outside of work to create balance. Even if you do manage to score your dream job, you’ll likely need to balance your work with other aspects of your life in order to feel truly fulfilled.[25] Whenever you can, set aside time for other things that you find meaningful, such as:[26]
    • Working on hobbies
    • Relaxing with friend and family
    • Volunteering for causes you care about
    • Taking care of yourself physically (e.g., getting exercise, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep)
    • Working on chores and other obligations in your life
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    Try to build meaningful relationships with your coworkers. Whatever kind of work you do, having good relationships with your other team members can make a huge difference in how fulfilling you find the work. Take time to get to know your colleagues, supervisors, or the people who work under you.[27]
    • This might mean hanging out outside of work or just taking time to converse while you’re on the job.
    • Building strong professional relationships is also a great way to grow your network. One of your work buddies might help you get a better job down the line!
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Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    What does it mean to you to have a job that is fulfilling?
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Career Coach
    Adrian Klaphaak is a career coach and founder of A Path That Fits, a mindfulness-based boutique career and life coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also is an accredited Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC). Klaphaak has used his training with the Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Somatic Psychology and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) to help thousands of people build successful careers and live more purposeful lives.
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Career Coach
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    It means that you're connected to your work on a personal level. You find it authentically meaningful, and you care about your performance. This can take a variety of different forms, but in general, you can assume your job is fulfilling if you enjoy and care about it.
  • Question
    What if I can't get the job that I want?
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Career Coach
    Adrian Klaphaak is a career coach and founder of A Path That Fits, a mindfulness-based boutique career and life coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also is an accredited Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC). Klaphaak has used his training with the Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Somatic Psychology and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) to help thousands of people build successful careers and live more purposeful lives.
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Career Coach
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Acquire the skills and experience you need to get it! If your dream job requires experience in a managerial role, work hard at your current job to get promoted. Go back to school if you need to. It can take a long time to achieve a career goal, so just stick with it. It's worth the effort!
  • Question
    How can I figure out if I'll enjoy a career?
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Career Coach
    Adrian Klaphaak is a career coach and founder of A Path That Fits, a mindfulness-based boutique career and life coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also is an accredited Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC). Klaphaak has used his training with the Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Somatic Psychology and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) to help thousands of people build successful careers and live more purposeful lives.
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
    Career Coach
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Head out and do some informational interviews. Talk to people in that field and ask them what they enjoy about their job. Ask them how they spend their time every day. This should give you a sense for whether you'll enjoy a certain gig or not.
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References

  1. ↑ Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 18 December 2018.
  2. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/343847
  3. ↑ Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 18 December 2018.
  4. ↑ Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 18 December 2018.
  5. ↑ https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/RIASEC/
  6. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Career & Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
  7. ↑ https://bhmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/BHMT_CC_Life-Values_Inventory.pdf
  8. ↑ https://www.idealist.org/en/careers/could-a-career-counselor-help-you-find-your-perfect-job
  9. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Career & Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
  1. ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/01/should-you-go-to-graduate-school
  2. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2019/article/professional-certifications-and-occupational-licenses.htm
  3. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/careers/articles/certificate-programs-that-pay-well
  4. ↑ https://fremont.edu/8-benefits-of-an-internship/
  5. ↑ https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/work-study
  6. ↑ Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 18 December 2018.
  7. ↑ https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/healthprofessions/documents/Career_Fair_Benefits_-_Tips.pdf
  8. ↑ Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 18 December 2018.
  9. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/07/14/smart-actionable-advice-from-top-linkedin-career-and-job-search-professionals/#1fa002312a4f
  10. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/06/24/proof-that-volunteering-pays-off-for-job-hunters/#7fa27289753a
  11. ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/09/stressed-about-resume-what-to-know-before-hiring-a-professional-writing-service.html
  12. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Career & Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
  13. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/finding-the-right-career.htm
  14. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/finding-the-right-career.htm
  15. ↑ Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 18 December 2018.
  16. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Career & Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
  17. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/work-life-balance/art-20048134
  18. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/249864

About This Article

Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
Co-authored by:
Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
Career Coach
This article was co-authored by Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Adrian Klaphaak is a career coach and founder of A Path That Fits, a mindfulness-based boutique career and life coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also is an accredited Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC). Klaphaak has used his training with the Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Somatic Psychology and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) to help thousands of people build successful careers and live more purposeful lives. This article has been viewed 23,579 times.
4 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: January 28, 2021
Views: 23,579
Categories: Featured Articles | Career Planning
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