Now more than ever, people seem to be pursuing their passions and working at their dream jobs. After all, one in five Americans say they have their dream job.
Of course, there are still many people who are working at dead-end jobs and desire different careers, industries, and paths.
It’s not easy to uncover your true calling, but there are certain steps you can take to make this journey easier, starting with the five below.
Ask yourself these two questions…
What makes you happy? What are you most passionate about?
If you can figure out the answers to the questions above, then you might have a better idea of what job or path will lead to your true calling, and you might know how to pursue it.
While we are focusing in on jobs, we do want to make it clear that your calling doesn’t have to be part of your day job. It could come in the form of volunteering, a hobby, a foundation, being a good parent or loving neighbor, etc.
However, if you want your job and calling to align and you can answer the questions above, then you will be able to brainstorm what skills you need as well as what types of jobs are out there that match your skills and passions.
Attend conferences and events
There are many reasons to attend conferences and events and those reasons don’t solely have to involve gaining connections for your job or business. They can also include learning about industries, jobs, and people that can all teach you about a desired field or your calling.
Not only that, but these conferences and events don’t have to include networking and entrepreneurs — they can also include fun events, such as annual island events which feature parades, festivals, and a different way of life. The point in attending these types of events, and of course, the typical ones mentioned above, is to learn about new industries as well as show you what’s out there and what your calling could look like.
Experience different jobs and fields
The best part is there are many ways to achieve this feat. Students experience different jobs and fields by taking classes in different areas, with plenty being outside of their majors. This allows them to see what a field could look like as well as what jobs are available.
Other ways to experience different jobs and fields is to have different jobs in different fields. This will give you firsthand experience of possible avenues for your calling. It will allow you to work in your field and see what the day-to-day life looks like.
The best way to figure out your calling, especially if you aren’t sure what you want to do, is to try different things.
Analyze your strengths and weaknesses
While our passions don’t always align with our strengths, it’s important to analyze your strengths and weaknesses to see what type of career you would be best equipped for. As a friendly reminder, you can always learn new skills and therefore gain new strengths.
On top of that, an online learning self-assessment can give you a better idea of which jobs and fields match up with your interests and skill set, and that can help you decide what your true calling is.
Be patient and open-minded
The most important thing to do is be patient and open-minded when figuring out your true calling. Be open to new possibilities and ways of thinking. That’s how you figure out what you really want to do, what you were meant to do, while being passionate and fulfilled with your work.
Being patient will help you with mindfulness as well as not stress out about where you want to be (yet). It will help you work hard at your current job and toward your true calling.
While we all want to be working at our dream jobs right now, some journeys take longer. Through experience, knowledge, and research, we can find our true callings, but it’s important to be patient and enjoy the moments along the way.
