How Do I Find Work That Actually Fulfills Me?

1. It’s first important to define your “why”. If you don’t have a meaningful reason for seeking new work, you can lose your focus and your drive. You need to have a foundation you can always return to as a source of inspiration when you begin to get frustrated or doubt yourself. What is most important through this process is commitment, NOT motivation. Motivation is a feeling that wavers. Commitment is what keeps you going despite how you feel on any given day or in any given moment. 

2. Don’t overwhelm yourself with 20 job applications in one day. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Take small steps each day that are realistic and manageable. Make yourself a schedule so that you can allot a certain amount of time each day towards the job search process.  

3. Find someone to hold you accountable. It’s much harder to stay on track towards a goal when you are the only person you have to report to. Hire a coach, find a mentor, or have a reliable friend help you set deadlines and stay committed to them.

4. Know your non-negotiables. You need to know what is most important to you in your next role. Maybe it’s team culture, or benefits, or a flexible schedule. Whatever it is, know what you’re not willing to give up so you can narrow your job search. Without defining your top needs, you are much more susceptible to job postings with tempting perks that don’t actually align with what you care about in the long-term.