Finding a fulfilling career isn’t always easy or straightforward. Maybe your work lacks inspiration or any chances for upward mobility. Perhaps you accepted a job offer in a tough market and have hit a dead end in your current field, and now you’re feeling stuck. You know there’s something better out there, and you’ve got the ambition to find it. 

The process of achieving career stability can seem overwhelming when you’re still working out what that means for you. How can you identify and explore a new, exciting career that fits your interests and lifestyle? One of the first steps is asking yourself a few simple questions that can help you zero in on a path that is fulfilling, financially stable, and future-proof.

What does your perfect career look like?

Your ideal career does exist. As you consider a new job or professional path, take stock of what’s most important for your next role. Don’t be afraid to dream big here. You’re thinking about your future, after all. 

Beyond the day-to-day work environment and tasks that you would enjoy performing, there are many other components that contribute to the long-term fulfillment you’re looking for. These may include:

Salary and benefits

For many job seekers, salary and benefits are at the top of their consideration list. Coming up with a base salary that can help you meet your current financial obligations and future goals is just one aspect of exploring your earning potential. It’s just as important to think about how your life outside of work might be looked at. 

Many employers provide competitive benefits, such as:

• Health insurance: How many plans are available to choose from? If you or your dependents have medical needs, will they be covered?

• Retirement and stock purchase plans: Will your employer match your 401(k) contributions? Can employees purchase shares of company stock at a discounted price?

• Paid parental leave: How much time is provided to new parents? Does the organization offer paid maternity and paternity leave?

• Life insurance: What are the limitations, if any? Who pays for the coverage?

• Paid time off (PTO): How much time are employees allotted? Which holidays are company-wide days off?

Location and travel

This is another opportunity to really think about your lifestyle and your desired work-life balance. It’s also a great way to figure out just how much you’re willing to compromise for your career. If you’ve got your mind set on a career in marine biology, living out in the Great Smoky Mountains doesn’t make much sense. Is staying close to family important to you? If so, it’s wise to avoid a career or role that requires relocation. Similarly, roles that require heavy travel may not be ideal for professionals who prioritize being home every night for family dinners.

Your next professional step should complement the life you want to live. Setting parameters around your willingness to move or travel for work is an important part of empowering your job search. These considerations can help you filter through companies and roles to hone in on those that best suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility and environment

What kind of workday do you see yourself thriving in? For some, having a flexible schedule or the opportunity to set your own hours is an important determinant in choosing a job. Working in sales or as a freelance specialist can give you the freedom to work non-traditional hours. For others, such as those working in corporate office jobs, a strict nine-to-five schedule can provide more predictability.

Additionally, where you work has become an important part of the job search process. Since the pandemic, many companies have allowed employees to work remotely or in a hybrid model, in which they alternately work from the office and from home on an agreed upon schedule. Are you more productive in an office environment? Think about amenities that are important to you, like free snacks and coffee, an office lounge, gym access, and equipment like standing desks or external monitors.

As you research jobs, you can filter them by employers that offer the structure you prefer. Keep in mind that there are many jobs that require individuals to be on-site during working hours, such as bartenders, laboratory technicians, hospice nurses, and hospitality roles.

Industry or companies

One of the best ways to identify possible industries and companies for your next position is to think about your own preferences. Ask yourself questions such as:

• Do the articles and blogs I read seem to focus on certain industries?

• Which companies and thought leaders do I follow on social media?

• What products or services do I get really excited about?

• Is there a new area of technology that I am fascinated by?

Broadly speaking, you’ll find that the companies and industries that may be right for you often align with your interests. 

Conversely, if there are specific industries that seem less appealing, this is the time to follow your gut. Don’t pursue a career in an industry that you don’t find interesting or rewarding, or you might find yourself back at square one.

Interests and personality

What do you like to do outside of work? Making a list of your interests, hobbies, and activities you enjoy can reveal more insights into your next career move. In fact, you may find your next career in something you do every weekend. Think beyond the obvious. For instance, if you enjoy hiking and being outdoors, you may find work with a recreation company.

Your personality can also help to steer your job search efforts. If you’re social and love to meet new people, a role in sales or hospitality could be a great fit for you. Do you like to collect the facts and figures before making a decision? You might enjoy working in a research position, where data drives everything.

Your ideal career should leave you feeling satisfied and excited to go to work each day. The elements that go into choosing a perfect career are different for everybody and vary greatly depending on what’s important to you as an individual. There are exceptions to every rule, of course, but many vocational and personality tests can tell you what type of work you might enjoy the most.

Your three career goals: fulfillment, financial stability, future-proof

Finding a career is different from finding a job because you have to think long-term. Remaining satisfied with your professional decisions over an extended period of time requires being invested in the work that you do; but there are also practical considerations that everyone must weigh. 

Fulfillment

It’s possible to find fulfillment in many areas of your career, and different elements of your job can bring fulfillment in unique ways. For example, if you’re interested in finance and helping people fulfills you, look into a career that lets you help others build wealth or one that’s centered around educating others to make wise financial decisions.

To find a fulfilling career, identify what makes you feel most satisfied. You may find great pleasure in creating something unique and beautiful, while someone else enjoys working in robotics. Every individual is inspired and feels rewarded by different things. Now is the time to define that for yourself and make it your vocation.

Financial stability

As you get closer to figuring out how to find a fulfilling career, take some time to research common salary levels in your prospective field. Does your ideal role require upskilling, additional education, or a certification? Different educational options come with their own associated costs, from accelerated boot camps to more advanced bachelor’s degree programs. Understanding the associated costs and time commitment can help you make smart decisions regarding your career path and financial stability.

It may be helpful to speak with a financial planner or counselor during this process. Discuss your short- and long-term financial goals to understand how they might be impacted by different salaries and benefits. While financial stability does not necessarily equate to career stability, it can be an important factor that impacts many aspects of your life. 

Future-proof

When considering a new career, choosing one that anticipates robust growth in the long-term can lead to a rewarding professional path that can take you far. Focusing on gaining future-proof skills can help you stay competitive regardless of your industry.

Developing technical skills is especially important in today’s digital landscape. Curious how you can blend your current experience with new knowledge? Here are a few transitions for you to consider:

• Graphic artistry to user experience (UX) design

• Commercial banking to financial technology

• Traditional advertising to digital marketing

• Higher education to technical project management

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is also becoming increasingly popular in a variety of fields. Harvard Business Review offers a few ways to future-proof your skills in an AI-curious landscape , such as getting familiar with using data responsibly, developing prompts, and evaluating results when using tools like ChatGPT.

Searching for a career with a solid outlook in the job market is important, but you should also consider your long-term capacity for that career. Make sure the path you choose is one you can see yourself on for several years, and one that will provide you the opportunity for growth. 

Learn the skills you need to take the next step in your professional journey. Unlock more career resources by registering for edX today.

Trust the process

Making a meaningful career transition requires patience, both with yourself and the process. Landing your dream job doesn’t happen overnight. There are no shortcuts when it comes to finding a fulfilling career. By taking the time to conduct research and prepare with proper training, you can set yourself up for long-term success. Sign up for an edX course and gain access to a team of career professionals who can help you explore your options.

Last updated: August 2023