How to Find the Work You Love

Finding work we enjoy is vital for our well being. After all most of us spend a fair portion of our week engaged in work. So how do we find work that we love? Here are some practical tips that I have found useful in my own life and when working with coaching clients.

1. Believe it is Possible

This might seem obvious, but if you don’t believe that you can find work that you love you won’t. Some people think that other people can find work they love, but they can’t — or that they are too old, too young or just don’t have the skills. Start to be aware of any limiting beliefs you have and catch yourself. Start to read stories about other people who are doing work they love. There are plenty of websites out there dedicated to this. It is amazing how who we associate with can influence our mindset. Since starting my own blog and joining a blogging community full of people living on their own terms and doing work they love, my own working life has changed beyond recognition! What seems possible expands.

2. Try New Things

Sometimes people think that one day they will just know what their “calling” is and they are waiting for that day. Sometimes this happens, but usually the people that find work they love are the ones who are proactive and get out into the world and try new things.

Sean Aiken is a great example. Sean was unsure what he wanted to do with his life, so he started the One Week Job project. He traveled anywhere in the world working 52 jobs in 52 weeks to find his passion.

Trying new things makes life more enjoyable and interesting and expands your horizons and who knows where it may lead? Don’t be afraid to try new jobs after all how will you know what you enjoy if you haven’t tried it! I have had lots of jobs and each one got me a little bit clearer on what I enjoy doing.

3. Freelance

Freelancing is a great way to try different types of work and earn money at the same time. Have a look at your skills and see what you could do. Are you great with kids? You could do some babysitting. Good at tinkering with web design? Who not look into providing web design as a service? Good at organising your home? People will pay someone to do that for them. Obviously there needs to be a match between what you can offer and what people want and need but to get started brainstorm and see what you can offer. It is easy to dismiss ideas but with a little bit of thought you could turn your skills into a job and get experience at the same time. In my own search for work I love I realised I loved listening to and inspiring people. For a long time I didn’t know how to turn that into a job but when I took it seriously I became a Life Coach and Mentor and now love my work.

4. Do Some Research

There are some great resources out there which can help you to get clearer about the type of work you enjoy. The internet is a brilliant way to access these resources and it is amazing what information is available to help you succeed in any area of life. I also recommend books like “The Work You Were Born To Do” by Nick Williams and “What Colour is Your Parachute” by Richard. N. Bolles.

5. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and learn a new trade at the same time. Many organisations welcome volunteers and have their own volunteering scheme. Volunteering is also a great way to build up your confidence and get comfortable with what you are doing. Volunteer positions often lead to paid employment within that organisation or in other places.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Have Multiple Jobs

There is no rule that says you have to just have one job. I have been doing two different jobs this year as well as the work I do on my blog and I have realized how much I enjoy having a variety in my working week. I love coaching and mentoring but also discovered I really enjoy writing and the technical side of having a website. Don’t limit yourself. If it’s helpful to you pursue a few different avenues at the same time.

7. Follow Your Bliss

Pay attention to what you enjoy. There are lots of messages from society about what constitutes a good job, but in order to find work you truly love it is necessary to tune out to other peoples messages and focus on what you really want to do. Sometimes your job may be different to the traditional path or maybe it’s not been invented yet and it will be down to you to do that! Have the courage to follow what feels right for you. Then you start to find work you truly love and it won’t feel like work!

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