13 answers
Oliver
Student
New Albany, Mississippi
2
Questions
Updated
2525 views
I want a fulfilling career. I know that this can look different for every individual but I would like a job that is "bigger than myself". I want to contribute something to the world; it doesn't have to be major like curing some disease, just something that offers MORE. I know I won't be content working a monotonous office job, but I don’t know how to search for jobs like this. I'd like to keep busy, always have something to aim for, I don't want to be stagnent in life. I know this is a difficult question but any advice would be greatly appreciated🙏
Any advice
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13 answers
Lucy Iwuagwu
Nursing and midwifery student
44
Answers
Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi
Updated
Lucy’s Answer
I was once in such a position where I didn't know what I wanted to do after highschool...but knew that whatever that path would be , will put a good impact on people that's why now I'm doing nursing as well as volunteering work...my response to you is to honestly
Reflect on your values, passions, and strengths
Exploring fields like social impact, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or social entrepreneurship Searching for job descriptions with keywords like "innovation," "community," "sustainability," or social responsibility"
Networking with professionals in aligned fields. Volunteering or taking on side projects to gain experience and clarity. Embracing lifelong learning and skill-building to stay engaged and dynamic.
Reflect on your values, passions, and strengths
Exploring fields like social impact, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or social entrepreneurship Searching for job descriptions with keywords like "innovation," "community," "sustainability," or social responsibility"
Networking with professionals in aligned fields. Volunteering or taking on side projects to gain experience and clarity. Embracing lifelong learning and skill-building to stay engaged and dynamic.
Amanda Plett
Fraud Analyst
21
Answers
Leander, Texas
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
As you navigate through your career choices, remember that your main objective is to secure a position that guarantees financial security. It's equally vital to seek a job that promotes a healthy work-life equilibrium, ensuring you have plenty of time for emotional enrichment beyond your professional life.
While it's entirely feasible to find a dream job that caters to both your emotional desires and financial needs, avoid making this your only priority. Losing such a job could potentially affect your emotional health and your means of living. Therefore, strive for equilibrium - a job that fulfills your fundamental needs and provides space for personal development and joy.
While it's entirely feasible to find a dream job that caters to both your emotional desires and financial needs, avoid making this your only priority. Losing such a job could potentially affect your emotional health and your means of living. Therefore, strive for equilibrium - a job that fulfills your fundamental needs and provides space for personal development and joy.
Nicole Klusman
Partner Program Management
1
Answer
Kansas City, Missouri
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
I believe it's essential for you to delve into your core beliefs, your personal definition of success, the metrics you'll use to gauge that success, and other sources of motivation. I can relate to your perspective on this matter, as I experienced similar feelings when I was preparing to make my first serious career decision after graduating.
Even in a conventional "desk job", you can make a significant impact and find satisfaction, but it all hinges on what motivates YOU. How do you define success? Is it based on tangible results? Does physical engagement hold as much importance for you as mental or emotional challenges?
A valid, though significantly different, comparison could be the concept of "helping others". If your goal is to make a difference that benefits people, you could make a huge impact as a therapist, who might sit at a desk and consult with virtual clients all day. Alternatively, you could work with a non-profit organization that makes a difference in communities through direct action, like Habitat for Humanity or a global disaster response team.
Moreover, consider whether you're looking for a J-O-B (i.e., a means to pay the bills) or a career that aligns with your true passion. Sometimes, it's possible to find a role that satisfies both these aspects, which would be ideal. However, such opportunities might not always be available immediately.
Even in a conventional "desk job", you can make a significant impact and find satisfaction, but it all hinges on what motivates YOU. How do you define success? Is it based on tangible results? Does physical engagement hold as much importance for you as mental or emotional challenges?
A valid, though significantly different, comparison could be the concept of "helping others". If your goal is to make a difference that benefits people, you could make a huge impact as a therapist, who might sit at a desk and consult with virtual clients all day. Alternatively, you could work with a non-profit organization that makes a difference in communities through direct action, like Habitat for Humanity or a global disaster response team.
Moreover, consider whether you're looking for a J-O-B (i.e., a means to pay the bills) or a career that aligns with your true passion. Sometimes, it's possible to find a role that satisfies both these aspects, which would be ideal. However, such opportunities might not always be available immediately.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Oliver
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
201
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Oliver, like you said, there are many things to factor into here AND this looks different for everyone.
When giving something back, it can be for one person locally or for the entire planet.
One thing to consider is that you can have an impact for one person and change their entire life. This is giving something back. This will have a ripple effect you may never see but leaves the world a better place.
Three professions where you give back, locally, but may never see the true impact that come to mind are police officer, fire fighter, teacher.
You never when you pull someone over for speeding whose life you saved or when you stop a fire, or as a teacher, what they end up inventing or creating later in life.
You could end up being the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, they gave back too.
You need to be happy and sometimes it’s not about giving back at work but having work that allows you to give back in other ways.
Personally, I worked in retail banking for a long long time. I had some employees that loved being bankers because of the impact they had in the lives of the people they worked with. They may not have saved a life in the sense like a doctor. However, helping them understand their banking is important too.
Again, it’s relative. Find something you enjoy and try not to make it all about work. Your life happens when you are done working too.
When giving something back, it can be for one person locally or for the entire planet.
One thing to consider is that you can have an impact for one person and change their entire life. This is giving something back. This will have a ripple effect you may never see but leaves the world a better place.
Three professions where you give back, locally, but may never see the true impact that come to mind are police officer, fire fighter, teacher.
You never when you pull someone over for speeding whose life you saved or when you stop a fire, or as a teacher, what they end up inventing or creating later in life.
You could end up being the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, they gave back too.
You need to be happy and sometimes it’s not about giving back at work but having work that allows you to give back in other ways.
Personally, I worked in retail banking for a long long time. I had some employees that loved being bankers because of the impact they had in the lives of the people they worked with. They may not have saved a life in the sense like a doctor. However, helping them understand their banking is important too.
Again, it’s relative. Find something you enjoy and try not to make it all about work. Your life happens when you are done working too.
I appreciate your insight, thank you!
Oliver
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
230
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Even if you get an office job consider joining a public committee in your community. You dont have to be a public servant or politician to serve your community. Volunteering as a fireman or community medical staff if useful too. Americorp, Peace Corps or the Job Corps are all good options. Even the national guard is usually for domestic issues and assistance.
Thank you for the advice.
Oliver
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Oliver! A fulfilling career depends upon your selection criteria. Whether it is job security, earnings, or helping people. Medicine or becoming a doctor will they usually comes up trumps in all criteria.
Thank ypu so much!
Oliver
Tamil Sriram
Partner
1
Answer
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tamil’s Answer
It's wonderful that you are being so thoughtful to think about having a purposeful and fulfilling career. At the start of your career, I think it's so much about learning and building important foundational skills - both technical and soft skills. So I would suggest to seek opportunities where there is great opportunity for exposure and development. It may not be your forever job but it will put you on a path to having critical skills that you can direct towards other purpose-aligned roles and make an even bigger impact through the skills you can contribute.
Aminah Mckinnie
Technical Support Engineer
4
Answers
Forney, Texas
Updated
Aminah’s Answer
First of all, congratulations on being so self-aware. Now the hard part, what should you do? When I have difficult questions like this, I try to think about things I enjoy, things that I do not enjoy, things I think I'm good at, and things people tell me I'm good at. For example, I enjoy helping people, my love language is acts of service, I am a deep thinker and a great listener, and people tell me that I'm a great listener and give good advice. Oddly enough, in the career I hold now, I'm a problem solver, and I love it. I listen to people tell me their pain points/broken things, and I help them fix the problem or find a workaround. My impact is small, but it makes a difference in the people that I help daily!
If you think about what brings you joy and the things you are already good at, this will help you find a career that is not monotonous and equally fulfilling. My suggestions are Guidance Counselor, Teacher, Work for a non-profit, Social Worker, Therapist, and the list goes on. I hope this helps!
If you think about what brings you joy and the things you are already good at, this will help you find a career that is not monotonous and equally fulfilling. My suggestions are Guidance Counselor, Teacher, Work for a non-profit, Social Worker, Therapist, and the list goes on. I hope this helps!
Courtney Holland
Auditor
1
Answer
Bloomfield, New Jersey
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
If you are a student in college, looking to join a mission oriented organization, I suggest that you look into ROTC / Officer Candidate School (OCS) in the military service. There are certainly jobs that much more closely resemble office work in the various services, but there are soooo many opportunities to travel the world, meet new people from around the country, take leadership at an early stage of your career, and constantly grow and develop yourself and your skills. You will have the opportunity to make a difference and you will have a new community that will be with you for life.
Ashley Lukas
Technology Sales
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Start by reflecting on the causes that resonate with you—like education, environmental issues, or community development. Working with a nonprofit team even at a larger organization can be incredibly rewarding, as these organizations often focus on making a positive impact.
Consider volunteering with a nonprofit to gain experience and see if it aligns with your values. Networking with people in the nonprofit sector can also help you discover opportunities that might not be widely advertised.
Keep an open mind about different roles; sometimes, the most fulfilling work comes in unexpected forms. By pursuing your passions and staying proactive, you’ll find a career that feels bigger than yourself. Good luck on your journey. :)
Consider volunteering with a nonprofit to gain experience and see if it aligns with your values. Networking with people in the nonprofit sector can also help you discover opportunities that might not be widely advertised.
Keep an open mind about different roles; sometimes, the most fulfilling work comes in unexpected forms. By pursuing your passions and staying proactive, you’ll find a career that feels bigger than yourself. Good luck on your journey. :)
Thank you so much for the advice.
Oliver
Caitlin Dezzani Taylor
Data Strategy & Management
2
Answers
Napa, California
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
You might find Ikigai helpful! This is a Japanese term that blends two words: “iki” meaning “to live,” and “gai” meaning “reason,” which translates to “a reason to live.” It is a concept that allows you to identify the intersection where your passions and talents converge with the things that the world needs and is willing to pay for.
Some links to learn more:
https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai/
https://ikigaitest.com/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrismyers/2018/02/23/how-to-find-your-ikigai-and-transform-your-outlook-on-life-and-business/
Some links to learn more:
https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai/
https://ikigaitest.com/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrismyers/2018/02/23/how-to-find-your-ikigai-and-transform-your-outlook-on-life-and-business/
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
431
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
You have already started down the path of success by knowing what's important to you in your future.
My suggestion is to get involved now in a variety of volunteer opportunities. Consider things you have never done before such as serving meals to the homeless, packing boxes at a food shelf, handing out water at a marathon, raking leaves for the elderly, be a tutor for an hour a week helping a kid learn to read, etc. There are tons of possibilities out there and most you can learn about with an online search.
You will meet new people, develop new relationships and skills which may be very helpful in your future.
With every good wish!
My suggestion is to get involved now in a variety of volunteer opportunities. Consider things you have never done before such as serving meals to the homeless, packing boxes at a food shelf, handing out water at a marathon, raking leaves for the elderly, be a tutor for an hour a week helping a kid learn to read, etc. There are tons of possibilities out there and most you can learn about with an online search.
You will meet new people, develop new relationships and skills which may be very helpful in your future.
With every good wish!
Thank you!!!
Oliver
Crystal Williams
Consultant
11
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Crystal’s Answer
Your desire for a fulfilling career that contributes to the world and offers continuous growth is both admirable and achievable. Here are some steps and career paths that can help you find such a role:
Steps to Find a Fulfilling Career
Potential Career Paths
1. Non-Profit Sector:
• Program Coordinator/Manager: Work on projects that address social issues such as poverty, education, or healthcare.
• Fundraising Specialist: Help organizations secure funds to continue their impactful work.
2. Public Health:
• Epidemiologist or Public Health Analyst: Work on improving community health and preventing diseases.
• Health Educator: Promote health and wellness in communities through education and outreach.
3. Environmental Science and Sustainability:
• Environmental Scientist: Work on projects that protect and preserve the environment.
• Sustainability Consultant: Help businesses and organizations implement sustainable practices.
4. Education:
• Teacher or Educator: Inspire and educate the next generation.
• Educational Program Developer: Create programs that improve educational outcomes for underserved communities.
5. Forensic Anthropology:
• Forensic Anthropologist: Assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes and providing closure to families.
• Human Rights Investigator: Work on identifying human remains in conflict zones or areas affected by disasters.
6. Humanitarian Aid and International Development:
• Field Officer: Work directly with communities in need, providing essential services and support.
• Policy Advisor: Influence and create policies that promote development and aid.
7. Community and Social Services:
• Social Worker: Provide support and resources to individuals and families in need.
• Community Organizer: Mobilize and empower communities to advocate for their rights and needs.
8. Research and Academia:
• Research Scientist: Conduct research that advances knowledge and contributes to societal well-being.
• Professor or Lecturer: Educate students while conducting research on topics that can have a positive impact.
Additional Tips
1. Stay Curious and Open: Be open to exploring different roles and industries. Sometimes, the most fulfilling careers are those you didn't initially consider.
2. Continuous Learning: Keep learning and growing in your field. Attend workshops, pursue further education, and stay updated with industry trends.
3. Mentorship: Seek mentors who can guide you and provide insights into impactful careers.
4. Balance and Self-Care: Ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout. A fulfilling career should also allow you to take care of yourself.
Finding a fulfilling career is a journey that involves exploration, reflection, and growth. By focusing on your values, skills, and passions, you can find a path that not only keeps you engaged and motivated but also allows you to contribute positively to the world. Good luck on your journey!
Steps to Find a Fulfilling Career
Potential Career Paths
1. Non-Profit Sector:
• Program Coordinator/Manager: Work on projects that address social issues such as poverty, education, or healthcare.
• Fundraising Specialist: Help organizations secure funds to continue their impactful work.
2. Public Health:
• Epidemiologist or Public Health Analyst: Work on improving community health and preventing diseases.
• Health Educator: Promote health and wellness in communities through education and outreach.
3. Environmental Science and Sustainability:
• Environmental Scientist: Work on projects that protect and preserve the environment.
• Sustainability Consultant: Help businesses and organizations implement sustainable practices.
4. Education:
• Teacher or Educator: Inspire and educate the next generation.
• Educational Program Developer: Create programs that improve educational outcomes for underserved communities.
5. Forensic Anthropology:
• Forensic Anthropologist: Assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes and providing closure to families.
• Human Rights Investigator: Work on identifying human remains in conflict zones or areas affected by disasters.
6. Humanitarian Aid and International Development:
• Field Officer: Work directly with communities in need, providing essential services and support.
• Policy Advisor: Influence and create policies that promote development and aid.
7. Community and Social Services:
• Social Worker: Provide support and resources to individuals and families in need.
• Community Organizer: Mobilize and empower communities to advocate for their rights and needs.
8. Research and Academia:
• Research Scientist: Conduct research that advances knowledge and contributes to societal well-being.
• Professor or Lecturer: Educate students while conducting research on topics that can have a positive impact.
Additional Tips
1. Stay Curious and Open: Be open to exploring different roles and industries. Sometimes, the most fulfilling careers are those you didn't initially consider.
2. Continuous Learning: Keep learning and growing in your field. Attend workshops, pursue further education, and stay updated with industry trends.
3. Mentorship: Seek mentors who can guide you and provide insights into impactful careers.
4. Balance and Self-Care: Ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout. A fulfilling career should also allow you to take care of yourself.
Finding a fulfilling career is a journey that involves exploration, reflection, and growth. By focusing on your values, skills, and passions, you can find a path that not only keeps you engaged and motivated but also allows you to contribute positively to the world. Good luck on your journey!