Aligning Your Career with Your Personal Values

Making decisions about your career path means taking into account what matters most to you: your values, goals, and aspirations. Balance the pros and cons of various industries and job roles to identify the best fit for what is important to you and your career trajectory.

Thinking Beyond a Job Title

When evaluating a job opportunity, try to look beyond the job title. Assess facts such as the organization’s mission, values, and culture to determine how well a position aligns with your values and goals. Do not underestimate the impact of the working environment, a company’s purpose, and its commitment to its workforce and its customers, when considering if a position is the right move for your career.

Life/Work Balance

Balance between work and the life you want to live is an important distinction to make when planning your career path. Consider the amount of work hours you would be expected to make and evaluate if that works with the lifestyle you envision for yourself. Are there specific times of the year when you will need extra flexibility? Reverse engineer your career and count backward to address the intersection between life and work.

Introspective Goal Setting

Taking the time to reflect and establish meaningful personal objectives allows individuals to proceed confidently in their career initiatives. Ask yourself questions such as: What do I hope to accomplish in my profession? What is the timeline for my goals? What am I willing to sacrifice to achieve excellence in my professional abilities?

Network and Research

Networking is an invaluable tool in the pursuit of any career goal. Use words such as “establish” and “seek” to unearth job opportunities, learn about a career field’s requirements, and connect with people who are already in positions that interest you. Also, stay informed about industry trends, current job opportunities, and ways to strengthen your skills.

Stay Open-Minded

Career trajectories are rarely linear paths and there are often unexpected turns. From joining a more specialized line of work to taking a lateral move, stay open-minded to the possibilities. You never know which opportunities may naturally fit with your values and expose you to invaluable knowledge and skillsets.

Invest in Yourself

Consistent learning and self-improvement will build your professional experiences and capabilities to secure the career of your dreams. From certifications to self-study courses, invest time and money into yourself to gain the necessary qualifications and abilities. Make sure the skills acquired will add value to the job for which you are applying.

In Summary

Keeping your values and goals in the forefront when exploring job and career opportunities is the key to finding a successful and satisfying career. With due diligence, thoughtful introspection, and unwavering ambition, you can align yourself with a career that is in line with your values and goals.