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

We all spend a big portion of our lives working, so why not make it something you genuinely adore and are passionate about? For many employees, finding inspiration and enjoyment at work is the holy grail. We all find ourselves pining for a job that provides meaning and makes us look forward to getting out of bed in the morning. Today, there are more ways than ever to pursue a career that you love.

But that leads to the burning question: How can you find a job that you love? It might be easier than you think. We’re here to pose a few questions that will help you pinpoint your passion and secure rewarding employment. In this blog, we’ll explore the following topics:

• The goal: finding a job that doesn’t feel like work 

• How to find a job you love with 6 questions

The goal: finding a job that doesn’t feel like work

Most people can’t wait to get out of the office and pursue the things that they love. This puts us in a bind. On one hand, we need to make a buck, on the other, earning money absorbs most of our lives. This leaves little time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. 

One of the best ways to get out of this situation is by finding a job that doesn’t feel like work. If you enjoy your work as much as your spare time, everything in your life will improve. Career fulfillment means different things for different people. For some, good coworkers are the only necessity, while others may need to serve a good cause or dedicate themselves to a creative outlet. In the following section, we’ll pose a few questions to help you find out what makes you tick. 

How to find a job you love with 6 questions

If you’re ready to find your perfect job, it’s time to ask yourself a few questions. These queries will help you uncover where your passions lie, and discover what makes a job right for you:

1. What would you do in an ideal world?

Imagine a world where you didn’t have to work, what would you do then? While this question may seem like “pie in the sky,” it’s important to explore your highest goals and aspirations. Even if your dream job is out of reach, this question can help you orient yourself and explore how your current situation falls short. 

Identifying your true passions can help you discover new 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 recording artist, you might have a talent for management, promotion, or entertainment law. 

2. What do you do in your spare time?

When we have free time, we tend to gravitate towards the things that we love. Think about your hobbies and ask yourself if they point towards a certain profession. If you draw or paint on your off days, maybe graphic design is a solid choice. If you tend to socialize on the weekends, that might be a sign that you need to work in a collaborative environment that promotes interaction with others. 

3. What is your greatest talent?

No matter who you are, you have a set of innate competencies that set you apart. The problem for many is that their talents don’t match their passions, but you can still use them to your advantage when finding your ideal job. Try to analyze your strengths from an unbiased position and imagine how you could employ them. 

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

4. What’s your ideal work environment?

Nowadays, employers are experimenting with many different work environments. Some highlight flexibility and a remote-first culture, while others emphasize in-person collaboration and competition. 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 look forward to going into an office.  

5. What do others think you should do?

Although it’s hard to admit, we’re not always the best judges of our needs. 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. People who know you well may have insights into your personality that are hard for you to perceive. If you want a less biased, more structured approach, consider hiring a career coach. These professionals can analyze your primary skills and drives and match you with the perfect profession. 

6. What’s your long-term goal?

Finally, it’s important to frame your career within an overall vision of your life. This will help you avoid a job that’s all-encompassing and stressful. Think about what you want most, whether that’s a family, residence in a specific city, a great circle of friends, or financial security. If you have a job in mind, think about whether it serves your 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 with an abysmal salary, ask yourself if financial stability matters to you. If it does, a less exciting but more lucrative path may be more satisfying in the long term.

Having trouble deciding what career is best for you? Check out our comprehensive job search strategy to optimize your job search and develop a clear roadmap. 

Key takeaways

1. For many, the key to solving the work-life paradox is finding a job that they love.

2. Think about your greatest passions and hobbies and ask yourself if you can turn them into a career.

3. If your passions don’t fit well into the job market, try to find a job that suits your strengths.

4. If you’re having trouble choosing a path, ask friends, family, or a counselor for a second opinion. 

5. Make sure that your career ambitions serve your overall happiness goals.