We’ve all encountered the word career at some point. Traditionally, in my experience, it has been associated with climbing the corporate ladder, moving into management or leadership positions, and earning more money. However, the meaning of career has evolved. Today, we each define it in our own unique way.
When I interview candidates or speak to individuals seeking career coaching, I often ask, “What does a career mean to you?” The answers I hear vary greatly, including:
- “Having an impact.”
- “Being part of something bigger and meaningful.”
- “Doing something new that helps me grow.”
- “Becoming a manager.”
- “Doing something that matters.”
- What Does Research Say?
Research identifies four main career concepts:
- Linear – Climbing the corporate ladder towards management or leadership roles.
- Expert – Specializing in a specific field and becoming highly skilled at it.
- Spiral – Transitioning between related roles, continuously adding new skills to become well-rounded.
- Roamer – Frequently changing jobs, moving into roles that may be unrelated to previous ones.
Each career path is driven by different motivations. For instance, some individuals enjoy power and authority (linear), while others seek creativity and change (spiral) or prefer a diverse range of experiences (roamer). Some are more inclined to specialize and master a particular area (expert).
Why Are So Many Employees Disengaged?
According to Gallup’s 2018 study, 87% of employees worldwide are not engaged at work. Why is this number so high?
In the past, many people did not have the luxury of choosing a career they were passionate about. They often followed in their parents’ footsteps or based their decisions on societal expectations. These choices were shaped by beliefs about success, early life experiences, and the environment in which they were raised.
As a result, many people enter professions for the wrong reasons—without adequate self-reflection—and end up lacking satisfaction, fulfillment, and purpose in their work.
How Can I Discover What Career Means to Me?
We all have a career, and for some, we may have more than one over time. A career is always evolving as you grow, learn, and gain experience. Your priorities and needs will shift, so it’s important to be in a place where you can be true to yourself.
The key to finding the right career path is self-awareness—understanding what you want from your life and job. Unfortunately, many of us don’t take enough time to reflect before making career decisions. Fear of change, societal pressure, and the opinions of others can prevent us from exploring who we truly are and what we want.
As a career and life planning coach, I know how difficult it can be to make decisions when facing these challenges. I encourage people to reflect, brainstorm, and visualize, guiding them through the decision-making process. Understanding who you are and defining your career goals are essential steps to building a fulfilling work life.
How to Start: Ask Yourself These Questions
- Is your current job aligned with your interests, passions, and personal life vision?
- What was your motive for choosing your profession?
- What are your dreams for the future?
- How do you want to live and work?
By reflecting on these questions, you can begin to define what a career means to you, and move closer to a fulfilling and meaningful professional journey.
