Am I Finding Meaning in My Work?

Dear Real Academics,

In the last year, have you stopped to ask yourself this question: Am I finding meaning in my work? 

If you have, you are not alone. Did you know that at present (Summer 2021), up to 41% of workers across the globe are considering quitting or changing professions? 

Economists are calling this phenomenon the "Great Resignation" and the reasons for this trend are many. You can read more about this phenomenon and reasons by following these links (but before you do, I encourage you to finish reading this blog post):

If you are asking yourself this question, consider the following.
The ideas crafted below are inspired from reading an article linked at the end of this blog post by Ken Coleman, a nationally syndicated radio host, #1 national bestselling author, and career coach.

(1) What does a fulfilled life mean for you?
Ken explains that a fulfilled life is "...about being the person you were created to be in order to make this world a better place."

Personally, I like this definition because if I really think about it, when I'm dying, what really matters? Is it the type of car I drove or the size of the home I owned or the number of articles I published? Or...is it something else?

(2) If you stay where you are, will that lead to your fulfilled life?
Ken talks about finding your "sweet spot" in your work = your life's purpose. He explains that in the context of work everyone should think about their:

(a) Talent - what you do best
(b) Passion - what you love to most do, and
(c) Mission - results that matter deeply to you

As Ken explains, it's only when all three of these pieces are meeting together in a nexus (he uses a Venn Diagram to illustrate this), that you are fulfilling your life's purpose.

For example, one may be using "talent" and "passion" (a good place to be), but may not be aligning with the core values or "mission" of where one works. 

With that, if the answer to question #2 is "no", then it's time to re-think your current work situation.

(3) What is holding you back from making a change if needed?
I know for me, the answer to this type of question would include answers such as fear, doubt, and anxiety -- all negative terms. This is why people often seek out career/life coaches and resources to help get past these psychologically negative ideas.

Consider investing in coaching. There are lots of people out there whose own fulfilling life mission is to help others succeed. At Real Academics, we offer academic and career coaching. It's free and easy to schedule a no-risk first-time meeting through our website and we'd love to see how we can help.

Last, if you want to learn even more about the topic of finding meaning in your work, check out this helpful article with resources: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/career-advice/what-should-i-do-with-my-life

Until next time,

Maggie

www.therealacademics.com

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