Illustrated by Mary Schafrath.Dr. Christina Zampitella, Licensed Clinical Psychologist:
"It sounds like you haven't quite found your passion, and therefore, without a direction, leaving feels like you are stepping off a cliff without a net. It's challenging to maintain a course of action if the goal does not resonate with your overall career vision. Wanting to have a long, successful, and fulfilling career is an excellent overall goal, but it is a bit vague, which is why it may be so elusive for you. It's time to narrow down your focus, and break down the goal into smaller, attainable goals to get your momentum going. For example, look at all of your previous jobs and write out the pros and cons. What do they have in common? What are the differences? What did you like and not like about each job? Then write a list of what you need in a career. For example, 'I want to help people,' 'What minimum salary is needed?' or 'How much autonomy do I need?' Eventually, you should see a pattern. Then, do research on careers that meet your criteria. If you are looking at jobs that do not fit your criteria, you are doing just that — looking at jobs, and not a career. It's time to become more focused, and choose a career path that meets your needs and passions. Stay at your current job while you flush this out. Then, start looking and get some interviews. Once you find your niche, give your notice, say your goodbyes, and wish them luck. Onward!
Bea Arthur, Licensed Mental Health Counselor:
"I like that it’s important to you to have a personal connection to your professional work, but you’re setting yourself up for a cycle of constant disappointment if you’re expecting your job to be a major source of fulfillment. Society likes to claim that 'if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.' If that were true, I’d be a millionaire just by eating nachos and watching So You Think You Can Dance. Yes, your job should provide a sense of satisfaction by allowing you to execute and excel in your skill set. And, ideally you should enjoy the work, but because you get paid for it, that is meant to be the reward. For example, Dave Grohl arguably has one of the best jobs in the world, doing what he loves with his best friends, and getting recognition and adoration on a regular basis. Yet even he says that if he didn’t have his family, interests, and inspiration outside of his work, that it would get old.