For some people, a job is just a means to an end. However, for many people, a job must be more than just a paycheck. These tips can help you achieve career fulfilment.

1. Discover your purpose

Whether you work in education or eCommerce fulfillment one of the keys to a fulfilling career is discovering what your purpose is. To find your purpose, it is helpful to ask yourself a series of questions, like:

• Does my job make me happy?
• Is there something else I could do that would help me achieve my goals?
• Am I doing my job for me, or because of someone else’s expectations?
• What is my career goal?

2. Seek out a mentor

A mentor can help you get your foot in the door at a new job. Mentors also are a good source of emotional support and career advice. You can even find your next career mentor via the Professional Mentoring Platform.

3. Challenge yourself

Many people become bored with their jobs when those jobs are no longer challenging. While there is safety and comfort in remaining in a job you have mastered, without challenge you are unlikely to experience any growth. Challenge yourself by seeking new projects and learning new skills. 

4. Trust your instincts

Sometimes the things that make us most happy don’t make sense to pursue from a logical perspective. It may make sense to ignore logic and chase your dreams.

5. Learn how to say ‘no’

Whether you are ambitious or a people pleaser, it can be tempting to always say ‘yes’ to every new project or request from your employer. However, this can lead to burnout. Learning how to say no by setting boundaries and not taking on too much work can increase your productivity. 

6. Find your passion

As clichéd as it may be, finding your passion can be the key to finding career fulfilment. If you are not sure what your passion is, try talking to people who know you. Sometimes other people can see you more clearly than you can see yourself.

7. Be the leader you wish you had

It is commonly said that people don’t quit jobs. They quit their bosses.

This isn’t always the case but it is often true. If you are unhappy in your current job, one of the things you can do to make it more fulfilling is to be the leader that you wish your boss was. Even if you have no authority at your job, you can be someone that your fellow employees look up to.

8. Don’t focus on the perks

A high salary, health insurance, free gym membership, a good retirement plan and generous vacation time are all nice things to have in a job. However, if the intrinsic qualities of the job are not fulfilling, none of that will make up for it. 

9. Figure out what matters to you

Sometimes what is most important to people isn’t obvious. Think about what you would do if you had unlimited resources to do it. Be honest with yourself.

It may make you feel good about yourself to think that you would feed the poor and house the homeless, but if that isn’t what you would really do, it won’t help you find fulfilment.

Once you have your list, prioritise it. Explore ways to make the top items on your list the focus of your career.

10. Don’t take a job to fix your problems

You will find more fulfilment in your work if you choose a job that allows you to help others, rather than a job that you think will fix some shortfall in your character or personal life. Finding a job you love can remove some of the stress that may be making your problems worse, but it won’t magically fix them all.

Even if your career is not one of your priorities, it is something you will spend a large share of your time doing. By following these tips you can make sure you are spending that time doing something that makes your life better.

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