How to find a job you love: ask yourself these questions

Have you ever heard the expression, “Find a job you love and you’ll never work another day in your life”?  Sounds ambitious, and it is, but it is actually possible to find a career that you find both rewarding and fulfilling. It might take some time and personal reflection, but figuring out your professional passions and learning how to find a job you love and pays well is possible—we’ll show you how.

Is it possible to find a job you really love?

Many people live for the weekend, waiting for the time when they can pursue their real interests and passions. But this can be a tough situation. While it’s important to earn a living, our work typically takes up the majority of our time, leaving less time for the things that we love to do. 

Now keep in mind that, when it comes to our careers, “love” means different things to different people. For some, having great coworkers is the main goal, while others may need a career that focuses on the greater good. Some may require their jobs to utilize their creativity. Regardless of what drives you, it’s possible to find a job you love.

To that end, here are some of the things you will want your career to offer you:

• Security. Feeling secure in your job goes a long way. A career you love should have opportunities for growth and longevity, regardless of your industry.

• Work-life balance. Even if you love your job, there’s more to life than work. Choosing a career with a good work-life balance will make you happier (and healthier) in the end.

• Sense of belonging. People are generally social creatures, so a job you love should make you feel like part of the team. You should also feel heard, appreciated, and confident in sharing your opinions and advocating for yourself.

How do you find a job you are passionate about?

Learning how to find a job you love starts with knowing what you’re passionate about. This will benefit your career, of course, but can improve your personal life as well. When you are satisfied and fulfilled at your job, you are much more likely to be happy in your personal life, which provides a better overall quality of life.

This all sounds great, but where do you start? To figure out how to find a job you really love, here are a few ways to find your passion:

• Take an assessment of your skills and aptitudes. Focus on the things you are good at that also make you excited and happy.

• Consider how you spend your time and money. How you utilize your resources can help you recognize what brings you joy in life.

• Think about what aspects of your knowledge and talent you would love to share with others.

How to find a job you love with 6 questions

If you’re ready to find a job you really love, it’s time to ask yourself a few key questions. This might take a little time, but keep at it. 

These queries will help you uncover where your passions lie, and find what you love as a job that’s right for you:

1. What would you do in an ideal world?

Imagine a world where you didn’t have to work. How would you spend your time? While this question may seem completely unrealistic (and it is), it’s important to explore your ultimate goals and aspirations. Even if your dream job is out of reach (see: unicorn herder), this question can help you orient yourself and explore how your current situation falls short.

Asking yourself this question can also help you discover new career paths. For example, if you have a passion for music but little musical talent, think about alternative ways to get into the music industry. While you may never be a top-selling recording artist, you might have a talent for producing, management, public relations, or entertainment law.

2. What do you do in your spare time?

When we have free time, we tend to gravitate toward the things that we love. Think about your current hobbies and interests and ask yourself if they point toward any certain professions. If you draw or paint on your off days, graphic design or art curation might be a good choice. If you like to spend time with people on the weekends, you’d likely thrive in a collaborative work environment that involves a lot of interaction with others.

3. What is your greatest talent?

Everyone has a set of innate competencies that makes them unique. Even if your talents don’t match your passions, you can still find a way to use them to your advantage when looking for your ideal job. Try to objectively analyze your greatest strengths and imagine how you could employ them in a professional setting.

For example, if you have exceptional math skills but aren't passionate about numbers, you might consider being a data analyst or data scientist. Both careers require math skills, but it isn't the main focus of the job.

4. What’s your ideal work environment?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are experimenting with different work environments. Some highlight flexible schedules and a remote-first culture, while others emphasize in-person collaboration. Think about your preferred work style and imagine your ideal work environment. If you’re a self-starter who prefers to work alone, a remote or hybrid environment might suit you perfectly. Others may need social interaction to fuel their productivity, and would thrive better in an office setting.

5. What do others think you should do?

Although it’s hard to admit, we’re not always objective when it comes to our needs and talents. If you’re struggling to find an ideal job, it might help to get a second opinion. You can start by asking your friends and family what they think. While you don’t want to choose a career solely based on what others think you should do, those who know you well may have insights into your personality that are harder for you to identify. If you want a less biased, more structured approach to answering this question, you can also consider hiring a career coach who specializes in analyzing your primary skills and drives to match you with the perfect profession.

6. What are your long-term goals?

Think about what you want most, whether that’s starting a family, living in a specific city, having a great circle of friends, or achieving financial security. If you have a job in mind, think about whether it serves these long-term “happiness goals.” If it doesn't, a different career may be more sustainable. For example, if you find a job in your ideal field but the salary is unsustainable, ask yourself if financial stability matters that much to you. If it does, a less exciting but more lucrative path may be more satisfying in the long term. It’s all about finding a balance.

Should I pursue my passion or be practical?

The harsh truth is that you won’t be able to make a career out of every single thing you love to do. You might find yourself in an unsustainable career path that doesn’t support your overall goals. However, that doesn’t mean that some of your passions can’t be morphed into a practical career. With some time and consideration, it can be done. 

When you choose a career based on your passions, you also tend to work harder and with more skill. You just need to take a good look at your potential career paths and find that balance between something you love and something that provides opportunities for growth and financial security.

Need help with your quest to find a job that you love and pays well? Check out our comprehensive job search strategy to optimize your job search efforts and develop a clear roadmap.

Key takeaways

1. For many, the key to finding career fulfillment is to find a job that they love.

2. To identify your ideal career, think about your greatest passions and hobbies, and ask yourself if you can turn them into a career.

3. If your passions aren’t realistic or sustainable, try to find a similar job that suits your strengths.

4. Having trouble choosing a path? Ask your friends, family, or a career coach for objective input.

5. Make sure that your career ambitions serve your long-term goals and overall life balance.