The Journey to Career Fulfilment

“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”

GOLDA MEIR 

Nicole is passionate working in her ideal job as a consultant. She has pursued her career path, undertaking courses to attain qualifications, and work roles to enable her to meet her ambition. She is energised by her work, and is able to be creative and innovative with ideas, services and processes. She communicates with staff, clients and stakeholders nationally, and writes regular updates on the progress of her department. She is well regarded by all and looks forward to the day at work.

What does career fulfilment mean?

‘The fulfilment of a dream; to achieve one’s hopes.’

There are tangible results in one’s career, but fulfilment is a felt sense that our work is ‘on target’ to our talents, goals, values and accomplishments. Career fulfilment is also deeply related to a ‘life of purpose’, the goal and direction that we pursue that is our personal mission. In the workplace, you engage mentally, emotionally and physically as work has deep meaning. You appreciate that you have made a ‘difference’ to the life of others.

We experience or feel meaning that provides deep satisfaction, and gratitude for our achievement. The mind and body are in sync, we are authentic, live and work according to our values of who we are, and what is important to us, rather than the framework of others. These are the benchmarks from which decisions are made.

Fulfilment is not the goal, rather the journey and ultimate reward when you are deeply satisfied within yourself, and do not rely on external circumstances. This empowers you, which creates greater self confidence and feeds back to your self satisfaction.

Career fulfilment is your self expression of who you are, the talents and skills within you. You live your life, and express who you are that is true to your self. Reviewing the meaning of career fulfilment, Nicole has attained it. Her studies and experiences have culminated in a rewarding role that brings deep satisfaction. She

is able to be creative, analyse and express her individual style in her role. She communicates regularly with a range of people, she is well regarded, and evidence of her contribution can be validated by regular updates of the status of her department.

As individuals, we follow the path that is destined for us, perhaps the path that is less well travelled, rather than the path that is taken by others. We make decisions based on our professional and moral values, rather than what is ‘socially’ acceptable.

We recognise and embrace our individual self – our identity: our style, intellect, behaviour, values, strengths and our weakness. We do not apologise nor make excuses; rather we are ‘centred’ in a position of ‘flow.’

We recognise and express our internal need to share and make a meaningful contribution, where our work matters to one’s life, and to others.

What is the flip side of work that is not meaningful? Individuals work at jobs that they do not like, where they work half heartedly in a reduced capacity to complete their work roles to earn the pay packet. They fill in time until they get home to live, and for some, appreciate their life outside work. Such individuals do not grow in their career, and largely, do not invest in personal development to confirm their strengths and explore options for meaningful work. They are stressed, unfulfilled, working at jobs with little satisfaction.

How do you create a fulfilling career?

 Spend time to find out who you are: to know your strengths, weakness, skills and passion

 Be authentic with the desire to express these in your career. It may tap into the purpose of who you are and your life journey

 Have courage to live outside your comfort zone. It will help you to know more about yourself, and develop your resilience

 Develop and ‘grow,’ own the grey and the difficulties, with a commitment to turn such situations into a learning experience. Seek a mentor, coach or undertake training to facilitate your development

 Balance work with out of work activities to nourish you

 Be flexible to make change as you travel through your journey

 Appreciate and own all parts of yourself, it makes you who you are

For many, we create career fulfilment with an honest approach of knowing what works for our authentic self, and what does not, and have the courage to follow our path. It is a leap, not knowing where we will go, but taking the path to enable us to create ourselves. It is about having trust that we will meet the ‘right’ people in our life from whom we can learn and grow, and the faith that it will work out in the end.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius

How do you create fulfilment in your work and in your life?

Please feel free to share your ideas and stories.