How to find a job that makes you come alive
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” —Howard Thurman That quote from Howard Thurman really resonates with me because there was a period in my career when I wasn’t living it. I hated my job. That was an odd notion because I had enjoyed my career and had held numerous leadership…
In a recent interview, Howard Thurman shared a powerful quote that has resonated with many, including the author: "Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive." This sentiment reflects the author's own journey through a career shift and rediscovering their passion.
The author had once enjoyed a successful career with numerous leadership positions, but found themselves in a job that drained their energy and stifled their enthusiasm. The work involved little of their strongest abilities, the head of the company failed to keep their promise of advancement, and the environment was bureaucratic and micromanaged. The author felt trapped, a phenomenon often referred to as "golden handcuffs," where one is bound to a job they no longer enjoy for financial reasons.
To help others in similar situations, the author formulated four guiding questions:
1. Are your talents actually being used?
2. Do you feel respected?
3. Can you grow here, or are you just aging in place?
4. Are you trading your passion for a paycheck?
The author discovered that before leaving their job, they redesigned part of it by volunteering to teach new employee orientation. This allowed them to engage in activities they loved, such as working with people, meeting new employees, and explaining the big picture. This experience taught them that before abandoning a job, one should consider redesigning part of it, seeking new responsibilities, or shadowing someone in another department to understand the organization better and prepare for future opportunities.
Ultimately, the author believes that the intersection of one's abilities, interests, and the organization's needs is the key to finding a fulfilling job. The author encourages individuals to look back on their life experiences, identify activities that have consistently brought joy, and consider where their abilities and skills intersect. These moments can serve as clues to guide one towards a career that truly makes them come alive.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
