Finding Purpose in Your Work: The Journey to Meaningful Employment

You probably know a bit about me. I’ve been immersed in “purpose” work for over 25 years. If I count the time I began asking big life questions, that journey goes even further back. I love seeing people find meaning in their work. It truly makes a difference in happiness, health, and energy!

There’s nothing wrong with working for a paycheck. However, for people like me—and maybe you—that's often not enough. We’ve spent too much precious time in jobs that don’t feed our souls. We seek more than just a salary. We want to feel that what we do matters.

The Rise of Meaningful Work

When I began this journey, I felt like an oddball. Thankfully, the conversation around purposeful work is now everywhere. So many people want to align their careers with their values and passions.

Over the years, I have coached many individuals searching for more meaning in their careers. Through this experience, I’ve noticed three common mistakes that often impede their progress.

1. Skipping the Inner Work

The moment we decide to make a change, many of us jump straight into “doing mode.” We focus on updating our LinkedIn profiles, refining our résumés, or applying for jobs. There’s a belief that if we’re not checking things off a list, we’re wasting time. This productivity obsession can overwhelm us!

However, meaningful work doesn’t start with a new résumé—it starts with you. Until you pause to reflect on your values, strengths, and what truly matters, you’ll likely find yourself running in circles. The real work is internal first. Otherwise, you could end up in a new job that feels just as empty as the last one.

2. Thinking You Have to Start Over

Many people come to me worried they must leave everything behind to find meaningful work. This is simply not true. You have already built a strong foundation. You possess skills, stories, and experiences that are incredibly valuable—often in more areas than you realize.

The key is to identify what’s transferable and learn how to repackage it all to align with the work you now desire. You're not starting over; you're evolving into a more authentic version of yourself.

3. Looking for Purpose in the Job Title

“Purpose” does not dwell within a job title or a company logo. Some of my clients have discovered their sense of purpose in their current roles by shifting how they view their work and connecting it to the people it impacts.

It’s not about chasing a dream title. It’s about aligning your work with your values and your desire to contribute in a meaningful way. If it matters to you and enhances at least one other person’s life, it holds meaning.

The Question of More

If you're asking, "Is there more for me than this?"—know that you're not alone. The answer is YES. I’ve been there. I’ve guided many individuals through the messy middle toward something that feels both purposeful and real. It’s absolutely worth taking the time to figure it out.

You’re Not Alone in This Journey

You do not have to navigate this path on your own. I invite you to read my newsletters on LinkedIn. You can also check out my posts and blogs on my websites. I have years of experiences to share that are meant for YOU. The knowledge I’ve gained from my journey and my clients is invaluable. Stay positive!

Let's Connect!

Please feel free to reach out if you want to explore this topic further or if you have any questions. You can message me here or on my websites listed below.

Wishing you a wonderful, joyful, and meaningful day. ❤️

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