Finding Your Career Purpose: A Journey, Not a Destination

It might have been a minute since you paused to consider your life’s purpose—if you ever have at all. It’s an overwhelming question, often accompanied by a sense of pressure.

We tend to think of purpose as this grand, elusive concept we need to figure out all at once. But the reality is far more fluid and dynamic.

Many of us start climbing ladders that we don’t actually want to be on or play games we don’t care about winning.

Why?

Because we haven’t taken the time to think critically about what truly matters to us.

So, what if instead of treating purpose like a far-off goal, we embraced it as something that evolves alongside us?

Understanding "Career Purpose"

Career Purpose refers to the driving force behind one's professional life. It is the intersection of one's skills, passions, values, and the impact they wish to make through their work. Having a clear career purpose provides direction, motivation, and fulfillment, and aligns professional activities with personal goals and values.

1. Purpose in Work Isn't Static – It Changes as We Do

The idea that you must discover one singular purpose and stick to it forever is a myth. Throughout your life, your purpose will shift in response to new experiences, circumstances, and stages. In the early stages of your career, your purpose may be to gain knowledge and skills.

As you grow, it might transition into leadership or making an impact in your field. What drives you at 25 is likely to be different from what fuels you at 45. Allowing space for your purpose to evolve keeps your career aligned with your growth.
Purpose isn’t a fixed destination—it’s a journey that adapts as you gain new perspectives.

2. You Can Have Multiple Purposes at Once

Purpose isn’t a one-size-fits-all, singular goal. You can—and likely will—have different purposes across various areas of your life.

You might seek fulfillment in your career while also striving for balance in your personal health, family life, or creative passions. These purposes can coexist and complement one another.

Embracing the idea that purpose is multifaceted gives you the freedom to pursue various avenues without feeling tied down to one "correct" path. Instead of asking, "What is my purpose?" you can reframe the question: "What are the purposes that matter to me right now?"

3. Cultivating Purpose Looks Different for Everyone

What you value and excel in is unique to you, and the way you cultivate purpose in your life will reflect that. For some, it might involve taking bold career leaps; for others, it’s finding purpose in the small, steady progress they make over time.

The key is to make sure your purpose is aligned with what truly matters to you. It’s easy to get caught up in what others define as success or meaning, but your purpose is about your values—not anyone else’s.

Finding Purpose Doesn't Have to Be Hard

Some people spend their whole lives searching for purpose, thinking it requires a big, dramatic epiphany. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated. In fact, the biggest steps often start with small, intentional actions.

You don’t need to spend fortunes on career coaches to guide you to purpose. You have an inner career guru within.

Purpose is less about finding some grand answer and more about tuning into your mindset and taking purposeful actions. The combination of clarity, curiosity, and consistent action will lead you to a deeper understanding of what drives you.

Go to Work *On* Purpose

Going to work "on purpose" means showing up with intention—not just coasting through your day on autopilot. It’s about choosing tasks and roles that resonate with your current goals, values, and growth.

Clarity in purpose isn’t about figuring everything out all at once. It’s about knowing what step to take this week. Sometimes, purpose is found not in grand gestures, but in the simple act of aligning today’s actions with tomorrow’s vision.

So, what’s your purpose for this season of your life?

It doesn’t need to be forever.

It just needs to matter to you right now. And from there, purpose will grow, shift, and evolve—just as you do.

Defining one's career purpose can be challenging due to various personal, societal, and psychological factors. Here are six key reasons why it can be difficult:

1. Societal Expectations and Pressure

Influence of External Expectations: From a young age, individuals are often influenced by societal norms, parental expectations, and cultural pressures. These external influences can cloud personal aspirations and lead to choices that align more with others' expectations than with one's true interests and values.

2. Fear of Failure and Uncertainty

Risk Aversion: Pursuing a career purpose that may not align with conventional paths or secure jobs can be daunting. The fear of financial instability, failure, and the unknown can deter individuals from exploring and committing to their true passions.

3. Lack of Self-Awareness

Insufficient Self-Reflection: Many people have not taken the time to deeply reflect on their strengths, values, passions, and the impact they want to have. Without this self-awareness, defining a clear career purpose becomes challenging.

4. Changing Interests and Goals

Evolving Aspirations: Interests and goals can change over time due to new experiences, knowledge, and personal growth. This fluidity can make it difficult to pin down a single, enduring career purpose, especially if one feels that they must commit to a fixed path.

5. Complexity of Modern Careers

Diverse Opportunities: The modern job market offers a vast array of career paths and opportunities. While this abundance can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming and make it difficult to choose and commit to a specific direction.

6. Misalignment with Current Role

Job Misfit: Many individuals find themselves in roles that do not align with their deeper values and passions. This misalignment can make it hard to see a clear path to purpose within their current career context, leading to frustration and confusion.

Overcoming the Challenges

• Engage in Continuous Self-Discovery: Regularly assess and reflect on your
  interests, strengths, values, and goals.
• Seek Mentorship and Coaching: Guidance from mentors or career coaches can provide valuable insights and help navigate uncertainties.
• Embrace Flexibility: Recognize that career purpose can evolve and adapt to new experiences and knowledge.
• Create a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with individuals who encourage and support your pursuit of meaningful work.
• Experiment and Explore: Engage in diverse experiences, side projects, and volunteer work to discover and refine your interests and passions.
• Develop Resilience: Cultivate a mindset that embraces failure as a learning opportunity and remains open to growth and change.

Steps to Create a Career Purpose

1. Self-Reflection

• Assess Your Interests: Make a list of activities and subjects that fascinate you.
• Identify Your Strengths: Reflect on your skills and achievements.
• Clarify Your Values: Determine what values are non-negotiable in your work life.
• Define Your Desired Impact: Consider the legacy you want to leave and the contributions you wish to make.

2. Seek Feedback

• Mentors and Colleagues: Ask for feedback on your strengths and areas for
  growth.
• Professional Assessments: Utilize tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), StrengthsFinder, or career coaching assessments.

3. Explore and Experiment

• Job Shadowing and Internships: Gain exposure to different fields.
• Volunteer Work: Engage in activities that align with your interests and values.
• Side Projects: Start small projects to test your ideas and passions.

4. Set Goals and Plan

• Short-term Goals: Identify immediate steps to align your current role with
  your purpose.
• Long-term Vision: Develop a vision for your career trajectory that aligns with your purpose.
• Action Plan: Create a roadmap with milestones and deadlines.

5. Continuous Learning and Adaptation

• Professional Development: Invest in learning new skills and expanding your knowledge.
• Networking: Build relationships with individuals in fields of interest.
• Regular Review: Periodically reassess your career purpose and make adjustments as needed.

Questions to Help Discover Career Purpose

1. What activities or tasks make you feel most engaged and satisfied?
2. What are the common themes in the feedback you receive from others about your strengths?
3. How do your personal values influence your career choices?
4. What kind of work environment makes you feel most productive and happy?
5. What societal issues or causes are you passionate about contributing to?
6. When have you felt most fulfilled in your career, and what were you doing at that time?
7. How do you define success in your professional life?
8. What legacy do you want to leave through your work?

By reflecting on these elements and continuously evolving, one can create a meaningful and fulfilling career purpose that drives professional satisfaction and success.