How to Find a Job You Love (and Actually Want to Go To)
Ever feel like your job is sucking the life out of you? Like you’re just another cog in the machine, counting down the minutes until 5 pm?
If so, you’re definitely not alone. A stunning 60% of people feel emotionally detached from their work, and a depressing 19% are flat-out miserable, according to a recent Gallup poll.
Yes, those are some seriously bummer stats. But here’s the good news: work doesn’t have to be a soul-crushing slog.
It should be something that lights you up, something that makes you feel like you’re actually making a difference.
Sounds pretty awesome, right?
Well, guess what – learning how to find a job you love is totally within reach. It might take a bit of soul-searching and a willingness to ditch the old “dream job” myths, but trust us, it’s worth it.
In this article, we’ll break down the steps to discovering a job that lights you up and share tips and resources to help you on your journey.
Plus, Blinkist has a library of 7,500 summaries of the most essential reads today, all ready to help you find a job you love. And the best part? Today, they’re all free!
Why “Just Find a Job You Love” is Bad Advice
We’ve all heard the well-meaning advice: “Just find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Sounds great, right? But in the real world, it’s not always that simple.
For starters, the idea of finding a single, all-consuming passion is often unrealistic. And as Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness explore in their book The Passion Paradox, passion can be a double-edged sword.
It can drive us to achieve great things, but it can also lead to burnout and disappointment if we put all our eggs in one basket.
The Passion Paradox
- 19 min reading time
- audio version available
Moreover, the “just find a job you love” mantra ignores the practical realities of life. We all have bills to pay, student loans to tackle, and families to support.
As Sarah Jaffe points out in Work Won’t Love You Back, the idea that our work should be a labor of love has often been used to exploit workers and devalue their contributions.
Work Won't Love You Back
- 24 min reading time
- audio version available
So, it’s important to remember that a job is a means to an end – it provides us with financial security and the resources to pursue our passions outside of work.
Instead of chasing the elusive “dream job,” it might be more helpful to focus on finding a job that aligns with your skills, interests, and values.
What Are You Looking for in Your Next Job?
Before you dive headfirst into the job hunt, it’s crucial to take a step back and ask yourself: “What do I really want out of my next job?”
While a good salary is important, it’s not the only factor that determines job satisfaction.
Company culture, values, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth are all essential aspects to consider.
After all, you’ll be spending a significant chunk of your life at work, so it’s important to choose a workplace that aligns with your personal values and priorities.
As David J. McNeff explores in The Work-Life Balance Myth, the traditional concept of work-life balance might be outdated. Instead of striving for a perfect split between work and personal life, it’s more important to find a balance that works for you.
The Work-Life Balance Myth
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
Ultimately, the key to finding a fulfilling job is to understand what truly motivates you. As Daniel Pink explains in his book Drive, true motivation comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
Consider how these factors play into your ideal career and what kind of work environment would best support your goals and aspirations.
Drive (new version)
- 23 min reading time
- audio version available
Let’s Get Real About How to Find a Job You Love
And let’s be honest, the whole “follow your passion” advice is a bit… much. Sure, it sounds great in theory, but not everyone has a singular, burning passion. And even if you do, turning it into a career isn’t always a fairytale.
The point is to figure out what matters to you. What kind of workplace environment makes you tick? Do you thrive on collaboration or prefer flying solo? Do you want to constantly learn and grow, or do you prefer stability and predictability?
Once you’ve got a handle on your priorities, you can start exploring careers that match. It might involve some research, talking to people in different fields, or even taking a career quiz.
Need a little help figuring out what makes you tick? Check out Blinkist’s collection “Which Career Is Right For You?” It’s packed with book summaries that can help you uncover your strengths, interests, and values, so you can find a career path that truly fits.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Job You’ll Actually Love
I assume you are ready to ditch the soul-sucking job and find one you’re actually excited about? Let’s break it down into actionable steps. Yes, now you have to put in some effort:
1. Self-Reflection
Before you start bombarding job boards with your resume, take a moment to get cozy with your inner career guru. This is all about understanding yourself – your skills, your interests, your passions, and what you truly want out of your work life.
Grab a pen and paper (or your favorite note-taking app) and start brainstorming:
- What are you naturally good at?
- What activities make you lose track of time?
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What problems do you love to solve?
Also, think about your hobbies, volunteer work, and even those random skills you’ve picked up along the way.
- How much does flexibility matter to you?
- Do you dream of setting your own hours or working from a beach in Bali?
- Or do you prefer the structure and stability of a traditional 9-to-5?
Be honest with yourself about your non-negotiables – this will help you narrow down your search.
On this journey, also check out C.K. Bray’s Best Job Ever on Blinkist. It’s a fantastic guide to rethinking your career and finding work that truly fulfills you.
Best Job Ever
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
And you can also try Blinkist’s career assessment to gain insights into your strengths and interests:
Get Clear Career Assessment
- 17 min reading time
- audio version available
2. Market Research
Now that you have a better grasp of your dream job criteria, it is time to explore the job market and possibilities.
Where are the hot jobs?
Look for industries that are expanding and offering more flexible work options. Think tech, freelance work, remote positions, or even starting your own business. The possibilities are endless!
And don’t just rely on job boards. Network like a pro! Tap into your connections, attend industry events, and reach out to companies directly. You’d be surprised how many awesome opportunities are out there that aren’t advertised.
Want to get ahead of the curve? Check out Darrell M. West’s The Future of Work on Blinkist. It’ll give you a glimpse into how technology is shaping the workplace and what skills will be in demand in the years to come.
The Future of Work
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
3. Skill Up (and Branch Out)
Also, the job market is competitive, so it’s important to keep learning and growing.
But don’t forget, you’ve got more skills than you realize! Think about the ones you’ve developed in previous jobs or hobbies that could be valuable in a new career.
Your experience leading a volunteer project, for example, could make you a prime candidate for a management position.
Blinkist also has a treasure trove of book summaries on skill development – from coding and design to leadership and communication. Pick a few that pique your interest and start expanding your horizons.
Take a quick look:
How to Find a Job You Love with Blinkist
Now that you’ve taken a deep dive into self-reflection and market research, and you’re actively leveling up your skills, it’s time to put it all into action! Don’t let all this knowledge just sit there – use it to craft a job search strategy that’s tailored to your unique goals and desires.
But before you start applying, dive into our Blinkist article, “What Research Will Help Prepare You Before You Apply for a Job?” It’s packed with tips on how to research companies, understand job requirements, and tailor your applications to stand out in a competitive job market.
And remember, finding a job you love is a journey, not a sprint. Be patient, persistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The most fulfilling careers often come from unexpected places.
And as you gear up to land that dream job, Blinkist has your back with the collection “How to Land Your Dream Job.” It’s filled with insider tips on networking, resume writing, and interview skills, so you can walk into that next interview with confidence and finally say goodbye to the daily grind.
