Most people work because they have to. What if you could work because you loved to? Start learning how to find a job you love.

How to Find a Job You Love - Rose
Get Rich Slowly is a terrific blog that focuses on helping people make money with wisdom. In a recent article, J.D. asked his readers what they did to find jobs they love. Here are the best answers in the long list:

General

Follow your dreams

Why this works: you’re more likely to achieve your objective if you have a clear vision of what it is.

Look into your past for your future

List your happiest childhood memories or past successes – school or work – and try to understand what made them so. Why this works: it’s often easier to duplicate success than create it the first time.

Be open to friends’ positive suggestions

“A friend jokingly suggested it to me… it was something I never saw myself in but it fits.” Why this works: a quote- “most people aren’t capable of being honest with themselves about what it is that they truly love. Too many outside pressures — family expectations, peer groups, societal issues, and plain old “noise” — compromise our ability to really be clear on what we enjoy.”

Ignore negative opinions while pushing forward

Why this works: people learn more by doing than regretting.

Pay the bills first

Focus first on finding a job you like that can also provide the resources to do the things you love. Why this works: not every passion translates well into a job and a standard of living you’re comfortable with.

Change your current job into one you love

Why this works: saves you a job search and might be quick to implement.

Try a different job in your current industry

“A friend of mine switched…both jobs use essentially the same skills for different results, but the second job is a much better fit than the first.” Why this works: you already have the necessary skills and are familiar with the industry, so the benefits happen quicker.

Consider lowering your salary expectations

Also known as the “I’d pay to play” effect. Why this works: by lowering your price, you open the door to more employers that can afford your services.

Appreciate good people

Why this works: whether a loner or a social animal, you will get comfortable in a role quicker with great co-workers that understand you. However, people come and go so you should rarely base any decisions just on this one point.

Create a fertile environment for “accidental discovery”

Increase your chance of lucking out in finding a perfect job by studying broad topics like business or art. Why this works: by definition, specialty topics will limit your focus. Going in the opposite direction will give you more exposure to new ideas and concepts that could in turn lead to a new dream job.

Test yourself

Take aptitude tests like the Myers-Briggs and Strong Interest Inventory tests to determine which directions you should investigate first. Why this works: although the tests usually require a fee, they’re short and give you almost immediate results.

Know your strengths and choose a job that leverages them

Why this works: people tend to like the things they’re good at.

Research the profession that interests you

Use informational interviews, forum and blog questions, trade show visits, radio call-ins, whatever it takes for you to get a better picture of life in your target job. Quote: “you have to know if you’re passionate about the job *or* the subject.” Why this works: the reality of a job may be different that the one you dreamed about. Another good point is that your passion may change after doing it 40 hours a week.

Experiment with different possible career choices

Try out various jobs on a part-time or volunteer basis, perhaps while still holding a full-time job. Sean Aiken tried to do 52 jobs in 52 weeks. Why this works: there are many jobs that people simply don’t know exist. Also, some people stop enjoying a passion when money, deadlines and client expectations enter the picture.

Talk to a career coach

Career coaches specialize in helping people find their vocation. Why this works: coaches can draw on their experience and expertise to give you personalized advice that’s more effective than test results.

If you liked this article, you’ll enjoy 7 Rules To Find the Right Job Search Coach for You.

Recommended books

Loving it? Subscribe to JobMob via RSS or email and follow me on Twitter to get more enjoyment out of your career.

--Jacob Share

  Print This Post Add a comment 5 great comments. Join in!

  Tags: , ,     Category Filed under: Must-Read Tips