Understanding Personal Values
The conversation began with an essential first step: identifying personal values. One participant emphasised the importance of aligning career choices with individual core values. The advice was to thoroughly research prospective employers and their values, to ensure a good fit. This alignment is crucial for maintaining long-term job satisfaction and personal happiness. Moreover, the focus should be on skills rather than specific job titles. The participant argued that identifying skills you enjoy or wish to develop can unveil a broader spectrum of career opportunities.
Feeling Over Finances
Another compelling viewpoint stressed the importance of focusing on desired feelings rather than tangible results like salary or job title. The participant shared their journey of realising during the COVID-19 lockdown that they were motivated by creativity and problem-solving rather than financial gain alone. They recommended reverse-engineering your career choices based on how you want to feel in your daily work life. Expanding on this, they mentioned finding roles that frequently offer the desired emotional experience, thus avoiding the trap of sacrificing one’s well-being for future rewards.
Explore Your Dreams and End Goals
Participants also discussed the significance of understanding your dreams and long-term goals. One of the group members recommended envisioning one’s career at the retirement stage, considering the type of role and business environment in which one would like to operate. Understanding your end goals can provide a clearer direction and help in making more aligned career decisions. They also emphasised the importance of having a flexible approach; while the end goals might remain constant, the paths to achieving them can be adaptive.
Case Study: From Computer Science to Music
One participant shared a real-life example involving their student, M****, who was contemplating a shift from computer science to music. Despite enjoying his current job, M***** felt a stronger passion for music. The recommended approach included understanding the practicalities of each career path, comparing stability, income potential, and lifestyle. It was suggested that he should speak to people in both fields to gain a realistic picture of each career option. This blend of practical comparison and introspective meditation was highlighted as a way to make more grounded and informed career decisions.
The Role of Self-Meditation and Honest Reflection
An essential aspect of the discussion was the necessity of self-meditation. One participant spoke about engaging in deep reflective practices, inspired by a book called “The Desire Map”. This reflective exercise aimed to get to the root of what genuinely drives an individual. Essential feelings such as the need for freedom, creativity, and constant intellectual challenge were identified as core motivational drivers. By understanding these fundamental drivers, career options became clearer and more aligned with personal desires.
Advice for Ongoing Development and Adaptation
The discussion also touched upon the importance of continual reassessment. Given that both personal values and external circumstances can change, revisiting one’s career goals and motivations is advisable. Recommendations included having periodic check-ins to ensure alignment with long-term objectives and current job satisfaction. This approach can help in making necessary adjustments, thus avoiding the feeling of being stuck in an unsuitable career path.
Seeking External Advice While Trusting Yourself
Finally, the group underscored the significance of seeking advice but ultimately trusting one’s instinct. Young professionals, in particular, are often influenced by parental advice, which may not always align with their personal goals or the modern job market’s demands. It was suggested to balance external input with personal reflection, ensuring that career decisions are self-driven and authentically aligned with one’s values and aspirations.