Motivation For Career Growth And How To Find It

So, you’re on the job hunt and have an itch to get into a more fulfilling career. But you feel lost when it comes to what that might look like.

On top of that, your friends and family offer the same old advice that we’ve been hearing for decades - 

“Just find what you’re passionate about.” 

And I cringe every time I hear it. 

As someone who has worked with hundreds of job seekers, I’ve found that pursuing your passion doesn’t help you find greater happiness in your career.

This is because it’s human nature to give up on our passions if we lack the motivation to see them bear fruit.

For example, I once had a coaching client who was passionate about the entertainment industry. He wanted to get into film production and have a hand in creating interesting programs.

The problem was he never did anything besides TALK about it, resulting in his passion never becoming anything more than a hobby.

That’s just one example. But it’s clear to me that passions are not enough. It is your MOTIVATION that inspires you to take the fate of your career into your own hands.

So here are three different points to consider on how to find motivation for career growth:

Your Existing Job Skills

When it comes to pursuing a motivating career, your existing skill set is a great starting point. Identify and leverage the skills you've developed through education, work experience, or hobbies to pursue a career that aligns with your strengths and interests.

To begin, research industries and job roles that require the skills you possess. For example, if you have strong communication skills, consider pursuing a career in marketing, public relations, or sales. Then, find an employer that is a good fit by assessing their work culture, values, and mission to determine alignment with your own.

Showcasing your skill set effectively during the hiring process is crucial. Craft a compelling resume and cover letter, prepare for job interviews, and highlight your strengths and accomplishments. By effectively communicating your skills and experience, you can increase your chances of landing a job that motivates you and helps you achieve your career goals.

Your Purpose

While your skill set is a great starting point, considering your purpose is also crucial. Reflect on your personal values and interests and consider the causes or issues you're passionate about. For example, if you care about environmental sustainability, consider a career in renewable energy, conservation, or sustainability consulting.

Consider the impact you want to make in the job market, whether it's improving lives or innovating and creating solutions. Research job roles and companies that align with your goals and values and assess their work culture and opportunities for growth.

Remember that finding your purpose is an ongoing process. As you gain new experiences and learn more about yourself, your goals may evolve. Embrace this evolution and continue to reflect on your values, interests, and desired impact in your career.

Your Desired Impact

Beyond maximizing on your skills and finding your purpose, it's also important to consider how you want to impact the job market as a whole. This involves understanding industry trends and assessing where your skills and experience can be most impactful.

One way to assess industry trends is to research emerging technologies and innovations that are transforming industries. This can help you identify areas of growth and potential job opportunities.

Another way to assess how you want to impact the job market is to consider what skills and experience are in demand. This can help you position yourself as a valuable candidate in the job market and increase your chances of finding a motivating career. For example, if you have experience in data analysis, you might consider pursuing a career in industries such as finance, marketing, or healthcare, where data analysis skills are in high demand.

It's also important to consider the impact you want to make on the job market beyond your immediate job role. This involves understanding industry challenges and considering how you can contribute to addressing them.

Conclusion

There’s a lot of opportunity out there but the competitive market will require you to be intentional about your career. Tackling your job search from the perspective of what you’re motivated by will help you stand out to employers and give them a sense of what your potential is.

Braxton Wood is the founder of Career On Command, an executive career coaching company that helps high-performing professionals speed up their journey to their dream job and even escape corporate life for entrepreneurship.

Braxton's content has received over 122 million views and he has been featured in numerous publications such as The Daily Dot, The Sun, CEO Blog Nation, and the No Degree podcast.

Learn more about Braxton and get free tools to jumpstart your career at careeroncommand.com.