How to Do What You Love and Find Meaning in Your Work

When you love what you do for a living, you’ll lead a happier and more fulfilling life.

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

You've likely heard the expression, "Life is too short to be anything but happy." While this may ring true for many of us, the reality is that millions of people stay in jobs they hate. The truth is - you spend a significant portion of your waking life working, which is why it's crucial to ensure you are doing something you love. And it's even more likely that if you do what you love, the money will follow – eventually.

Work no longer feels like a chore when you do what you love and love what you do. Instead, it becomes something to look forward to every day. You wake up with a sense of purpose and motivation that can positively impact your mental health, reducing stress and anxiety and improving your overall well-being.

In fact, according to a Monster survey, 86% of workers feel that their work well-being is extremely important to them. Of course, it's important to note that doing what you love doesn't always mean you'll be happy all the time. There will still be challenges and setbacks along the way, but wouldn't you rather experience stress in a career you love rather than a job you hate?

How may people do you know that can honestly say, “I love what I do”? Most likely, not many. If you’re currently in a job you hate and wondering what to do with your life, it’s never too late to make a change and pursue your dream career.

The Pursuit of Happiness

The subject of attaining happiness has been heavily researched and discussed throughout time. As you likely know, striving to find meaning in our lives is inherent in human nature and also applies significantly to the work that we do. People who love their job are more connected to their higher purpose and, therefore, more joyful, and optimistic about life.

The COVID-19 pandemic is often noted as bringing about significant changes in the world of work, and many people's priorities and preferences have shifted as a result. Significant job losses and economic uncertainty since have led many people to reevaluate their lives and what they want from their careers. Many now want to find work that gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment rather than a high salary.

During and after the COVID-19 years, you may have had to adjust to working from home or balance work with caregiving responsibilities, which has heightened your awareness of the need to experience a high quality of life outside of work. And because of this, you’ve decided to make a change and follow your passion because life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured, right?

Why Doing What You Love is Important

They say that when you have a job that you’re truly passionate about, you’ll never work a day in your life. People across the nation and globally are now realizing that working in a job they love is more fulfilling and meaningful than making lots of money.

This drive for meaning is especially important to millennials who make up around 35% of the U.S. labor force. They thrive for a better work-life balance, the need to feel respected and appreciated and aren’t motivated by money as much as their predecessors. In fact, a remarkable 50 percent of millennials would be willing to take a pay cut to secure a job that aligns with their values and ambitions.

Similarly, Gen Zers, who will make up as much as 30% of the U.S. workforce by 2030, would ratherfind purpose in their work than bring home a high paycheck. They are also more likely to work for companies that allow them to express what they are passionate about. This diverse generation strives for impactful change in their work environment and wants to feel a sense of autonomy over their careers.

So, let's take a look at some of the benefits of working in a job you love:

  • Greater job satisfaction: When you love what you do, you're more likely to feel a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your work. It can lead to increased job satisfaction, engagement and enthusiasm for your work. When you are satisfied with your job, you can feel a sense of pride in your accomplishments.
  • Increased motivation: You're also more motivated to work hard and succeed when you do what you love. This can lead to improved performance and productivity, which can help you achieve your career goals. As a result, you're more likely to take the initiative and go above and beyond what is expected of you, which can lead to increased recognition and opportunities for growth.
  • Improved mental health: A job you love can provide a sense of purpose and direction in your life, improving your mental health and reducing stress and anxiety. When you are engaged in your work and feel a sense of accomplishment, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed or anxious.
  • Enhanced work-life balance: If you do what you love, you'll discover that balancing work and your personal life often becomes much easier. This is because you're less likely to feel like work is a burden or an obligation, which can lead to increased happiness, better relationships, and a more positive outlook in life.

Learning How to Do What You Love

Now that you understand the importance of working in a career that brings meaning, you'reprobably wondering what to do with your life to find this for yourself. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of making profound changes, know that the key to your success lies in taking small baby steps. Let's start by exploring some ways in which you can turn what you love to do into a career of passion.

Identify What You Love to Do

This is the first important step in discovering how to do what you love. Its crucial to assess what you’re passionate about and then consider how you can achieve your dream career. Use the following questions to help you brainstorm and do a bit of soul searching. Make sure to write down your answers to:

  • What empowers you and that you wish you could do every day?
  • What would you do if you could not fail?
  • What makes you happy at work?
  • What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
  • Are you inspired by an idol or role model and why?
  • What do you enjoy doing?
  • What did you want to be as a child?

Focus on Your Strengths and Skills

Understanding your strengths and skills to find a job you love is a powerful approach. Through this self-exploration process, you'll gain a deeper insight into what you excel at and how you can apply these to your future career.

Write down all the things that come naturally to you and the tasks you enjoy doing. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for feedback to get another perspective. You may be happily surprised at what they say.

Another valuable way to assess your strengths is to take an online skills assessment test or quiz. These tests can help you understand your personality type, strengths, and preferred working style. You can also try out a career assessment tool that provides a list of careers matching your profile.

Talk to a Career Counselor

Working with a career counselor is an excellent way to figure out your dream career path. They are trained to help you identify potential careers that align with your strengths, skills, personality, and passions. You'll likely discover a wide range of job options that you may not have considered before.

A career counselor can also help you navigate the job market, career trends, and emerging industries so you can make more informed decisions. Once you've pinpointed the careers you're interested in, they'll help you create a plan of action to do what you love, and help you stay motivated and focused.

Practice Patience

Pursuing your dream job can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but then again, good things come to those who wait, so don't give up! Try to avoid negative self-talk and remind yourself constantly of what inspired you in the first place. Maintaining an optimistic attitude will help you to move forward in your search for meaning in your professional life.

Remember that if you want to do what you love and find your passion career, it may take time to find the right opportunity. You can increase your chances of success by staying patient, positive, and proactive.

Also, keep in mind that if you're heading into a completely different career, you may have to learn new skills. Be prepared to take certification courses and attend workshops, seminars, or online classes.

If you’re currently working, find ways to incorporate this learning into your free time, such as after work or on weekends. And, when you are ready to enter your new career, remember that you may have to start in an entry-level position to get your foot in the door.

Be Realistic

The decision to leave your job and follow your passion is a personal one that depends on various factors. Unfortunately, there are numerous reasons why not everyone is able or willing to give up their job to do what they love. For example:

  • financial obligations
  • lack of clarity and confidence
  • fear of failure
  • limited job opportunities
  • lack of experience or qualifications

However, gradually transitioning into a new career over time can be a great option if you cannot leave your current job immediately. You could begin by taking on small projects or assignments in your new field that allow you to test the waters and see if it's the right career path for you. Or you could split your time between jobs and take a part-time job in your current field that pays well while also working in a job you're passionate about.

Remember that transitioning into a new career takes time, patience, courage, and hard work. It may not happen overnight, but with persistence and dedication, you can successfully pursue a career you truly love.

When you take that leap yourself instead of settling for the status quo, you also become an inspiration to others. In turn, the people around you might just do the same.

Land the Job of Your Dreams

Do what you love and bring home more than a paycheck. First, create a free profile on Monster and browse our job listings to find ones that ignite your passion. Upload your resume, and we’ll help connect you with recruiters looking for skilled and passionate candidates. We’ll also send you job alerts and expert career advice to help you find a meaningful and fulfilling career.