Find The Work You Were Meant to Do

Do you wake up in the morning excited about going to work? Is your job utilizing your strengths and talents?

“Everybody has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it. Every time we have seen a person on this stage who is a success in their life, they spoke of the job, and they spoke of the juice that they receive from doing what they knew they were meant to be doing.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

The economy has caused many people to lose their jobs recently. Although a job loss can be devastating, some folks have seen it as a “blessing in disguise.” Many of us just drift into an occupation or an industry for a number of reasons. It could be that you were following in your friends or families “footsteps” or it was a job that seemed convenient. When you face a job loss it is a terrific time to reassess just how satisfied you were with your last job and what you would change.

Maybe you love your chosen occupation but would like to now utilize your skills in a different industry. I spoke to one person who decided to seek an accounting position with a non-profit organization where she could continue to utilize her expertise but with a company whose mission she felt was worthwhile.

Another person realized that to follow his passion he would need to take a major salary cut which would impact his family’s financial health. So he stayed in the same industry and occupation but found volunteer work where he could be doing, at least part-time, what he was “meant to be doing.”

It is not just about your strengths, there may be many things you can do but do not actually like to do. So how do you know what you were meant to be doing? Here are a few idea starters:

• What Makes You Smile? – Think about the activities you have done in the past that brought you happiness. What did you look forward to doing?
• What Energizes You? – When we feel motivated to do something we feel energized, when we do not be feel drained of energy. What motivates you and what drains you?
• Look for Patterns – Examine your activities starting with childhood and see if you can find the patterns that made you smile and energized you. Is there a common thread?

I am at a point in my career that I finally have some time for volunteer work. I chose an organization that assists women with barriers to finding jobs by offering workshops and a boutique for a free interviewing outfit. What better fit for a former human resource professional who loves to speak to audiences and to shop!

What do you love to do? Can you utilize your passions to find the work you were meant to do?

“…carry whatever you're supposed to be doing, carry that forward and don't waste any more time. Start embracing the life that is calling you and use your life to serve the world." ~ Oprah Winfrey