Did you unintentionally fall into a career you’re good at but don’t enjoy? It’s time to separate a “good” career from a “happy” one.
The Problem with Traditional Career Advice
The advice from your school’s careers advisor likely followed a familiar script:
- Go to university and study what you enjoyed at school.
- Find a job related to your degree at a reputable organization.
- Work hard, climb the career ladder, and retire.
For example:
- If you were good at maths, you might study finance and work in a bank.
- If you excelled in science, you were steered toward chemistry and a job in pharma.
- If you loved the arts, teaching seemed the obvious path.
While logical on the surface, this approach often fails to deliver career happiness in the modern world of work.
Why This Career Advice Doesn’t Work Today
Many people have ended up in jobs that pay well but leave them unhappy at work, stuck living someone else’s plan, and doing things that don’t bring them joy. Meanwhile, the companies they joined after education might have merged, gone bankrupt, or stopped offering meaningful growth opportunities.
The career ladder? It often feels more like a sideways shuffle. Challenges in the workplace, shifting responsibility, and a lack of clarity can foster unhappiness and a sense of stagnation.
Rethinking Career Guidance for the Modern Era
At mid-career, it’s no longer just about what you enjoy. With years of experience, you’re in a position to reassess your goals and redefine what success means for you. The importance of this moment cannot be overstated. It’s an opportunity to align your career with your life balance, strengths, and passions.
Ask yourself:
- What are you good at? (You have many skills and talents.)
- What do you love to do? (This is your mission or purpose.)
- What can you be paid to do? (This defines your profession.)
- What does the world need? (Your impact, drive, and insights can solve problems.)
These questions form the foundation of the Ikigai model, a Japanese concept that describes your reason for being. Your Ikigai is not a single answer but a discovery that evolves with time, helping you reach your full potential.
Real-Life Insights: Rene’s Story
Take Rene, for example. He studied Musical Theatre and initially worked in roles like a PA. From there, he transitioned into PR and then into communications. At mid-career, Rene reassessed his situation, uncovering his core passions:
- Working with people
- Communicating
- Telling stories
These strengths have guided Rene not just toward another job, but toward the right job—one that aligns with his values and passions.
The Importance of Career Coaching
If you’re pondering your own path and looking for ways to bring more meaning to your career, a career coach can provide guidance. A coach can help you address negative thoughts, find clarity amidst uncertainty, and approach the situation with renewed confidence.
Tips for Creating a Career You Love
To feel truly happy at work, consider these steps:
- Reflect on the things that energize you and bring purpose to your day.
- Communicate openly with your boss, colleagues, and team to foster mutual understanding.
- Be open to change—even small adjustments can have a big impact on your career success.
- Seek out new opportunities that challenge and excite you.
- Invest in your personal and professional growth to maximize your success.
Final Thoughts
Getting career happy isn’t about making a sudden leap; it’s about taking deliberate steps to align your career with what matters most to you. The right approach can help you overcome workplace challenges, tap into your potential, and find renewed meaning in your work.
If you’re ready to move beyond a “good” career and toward a happy one, let’s talk. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward creating a career that truly fulfills you.
