How to Identify Fulfilling Career Paths

7 Questions To Ask Yourself (When You Don’t Know Which Career Path Is Right For You): 1. What Energizes Me? Grab a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. Label one side “Energy Creators” and the other “Energy Drainers.” Now reflect on all the projects, initiatives, etc. you’ve worked on over the past few years. Label and categorize each one. Now look out for roles where the majority of the work is focused on energy creation. 2. What Do People Come To Me For? Everyone has a specific skill or strength that other people look to them for. If you’re not sure what it is? Ask 5 friends and 5 colleagues this question and see what they say. That can help you identify a skill that’s in demand that you’re also recognized for being good at. 3. What Problems Do I Enjoy Solving? Every job has problems. In fact, work and business are really the process of identifying and solving problems. So if you’re going to be spending your life solving problems, it’s important to know which ones you like to solve. Reflecting on this will help you see which challenges you enjoy taking on. 4. If Money Wasn’t An Issue What Work Would I Do? Most of us work to make a living. But it can be helpful to start from a place of what you love to do, and then work backward into the overlap between that and making an income. You’d be surprised at how many jobs exist where people are able to work on things they’re passionate about while also earning. 5. What Does My Ideal Workday Look Like? Some people love traveling for work, some hate it. Some people love sitting at a desk all day, some don’t. Some people love combing through spreadsheets, and…you get it. Painting a picture of the ideal day will help you dial into jobs that align with that schedule, workflow, and balance. 6. What Am I Willing To Struggle For? Most things that are truly worth doing are hard. If you’re not willing to take on some big challenges, to do hard work, and to deal with some uncertainty? You’re limiting your potential. So think about paths and outcomes that you feel are worth struggling for, then aim to align your work and career with that. 7. Whose Career Do I Admire? Finally, think about someone whose career you admire. A friend, a former colleague, etc. Reach out to them and ask them if they’d be willing to chat more about their journey and their job. This will give you a ton of insight into what they do and how they got there so you can see if it’s a good fit for you!

"Just follow your passion" is career advice that needs a reality check. While passion matters, success requires more: skills, demand, and practical strategy. The truth? Most successful people didn't start with a burning passion—they developed it through mastery. Instead of chasing pre-existing passions, try this actionable approach: Step 1. Skills Audit: List your natural abilities and acquired skills. What problems can you solve? Step 2. Market Research: Identify where your skills meet real demand. What will people pay for? Step 3. Interest Exploration: Find areas you're curious about, not just passionate about. Curiosity sustains learning. Step 4. Strategic Testing: Take small projects in your target area. Let competence build confidence. Step 5. Value Creation: Focus on becoming irreplaceable in your field. Rare skills command premium rewards. The formula is NOT "passion = money" but "skills + market need + consistent growth = passion & prosperity." Absolute career satisfaction comes from being excellent at something the world needs. Build your passion through deliberate skill development, not wishful thinking. What do you think? Have you experienced this passion paradox? Share your story below. Coaching can help; let's chat. | Joshua Miller #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalGrowth #Executivecoaching

If you’re feeling stuck in your high-paying yet wildly unfulfilling career, you're not alone. (hello fellow consultants!) I had a quarter-life crisis when I realized I had no desire to get promoted anymore 😮 It took me 10 months to make a big career pivot from consulting to startups... I wrote up 6 steps to get career clarity I wouldn’t miss if I had to do it all again. Before you dive in, remember: ✨ Self-awareness is the starting point for all personal growth. ✨ Ask yourself the hard questions and be honest about the answers. If you don’t take time to get clear on what YOU want, you let everyone else dictate what THEY want. You don’t want to end up working for someone else’s dream, do you? Here are 6 steps to get clear on the work you want and what needs to change: 1) Take an inventory of your current state 2) Assess your strengths and weaknesses 3) Discover your curiosities 4) Reflect on your values 5) Imagine the future 6) Get real about the gap Then, build a plan of action to close that gap & START EXECUTING ON IT. When you're feeling stuck → Get clarity before diving head first into a job search. You’ll save yourself years of pursuing the wrong path & months of ineffective job searching. P.S. There are likely people in your network feeling stuck in their career right now, not sure what to change. Repost ♻️ to share these tips with them or send to a friend who's going thru it!!

Hey there, it’s me, your coach Nina, how are you today? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the exciting but vast possibilities in your career? Society, your parents, friends, strangers on social media, and even your own expectations have all been suggesting paths you “should” take professionally. If you're intellectually curious and enjoy learning, you likely have a strong drive to grow already. You might already have some ideas about where you want to go and how to get there. However, with endless possibilities and only 24 hours in a day, it's important to have a focused and sustainable approach to your career development, one that prevents overwhelm and burnout. Here are some strategies to consider: 1️⃣ List out your career goals: What do you really want in your career? Is it money, title, creative freedom, influence, fame, or making an impact? In my early career I wanted to get promoted because the society says so, but after a few years I started to optimize for learning new experiences (hence jumping from corporate to startup to stand up a new team.) 2️⃣ Figure out your why: understand why you want to achieve something adds meaning and boosts motivation. Are you aiming for FIRE (financial independence to retire early), seeking respect as a manager, or craving intellectual exploration? 3️⃣ Define success: know your destination helps you figure out what resources or skills you need to get there. For instance, aspiring to be a people manager might require learning how to inspire others. 4️⃣ Identify the resources you need: Just like planning a trip, you need to know what to pack for your career journey. Determine the skills or knowledge necessary for your dream role. 5️⃣ Choose how to learn: Different people prefer different learning methods—reading, visual cues, podcasts, or hands-on experience. Find what works best for you and experiment if you're unsure. 6️⃣ Practice: Apply your new skills whenever possible. Shadow others, volunteer for projects, and actively develop the competencies you need. 7️⃣ Reflect regularly: Set a monthly reminder to assess your progress and adjust your strategies if needed. 8️⃣ Seek accountability: Remember the saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Find a mentor, friend, or a coach friend to support and hold you accountable. What strategies have you used or would you recommend to feel less overwhelmed and more empowered in your career growth? #careerdevelopment #professionaldevelopment #midcareer

If you’ve ever felt unsure about your career direction or questioned whether your current path truly aligns with your strengths and passions, you’re not alone. One tool that helped me gain real clarity was the MAPP (Motivational Appraisal Personal Potential) career assessment. Unlike many generic career quizzes, the MAPP digs deep into what actually motivates you—beyond just skills and experience. It helps identify careers that align with your natural preferences, personality, and potential, giving you insight into not just what you can do, but what you’ll actually enjoy doing long-term. Taking the MAPP assessment helped me better understand my core drivers and gave me language to articulate my strengths and career goals in a way that felt authentic. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or just looking to realign your path, I highly recommend giving it a try. Sometimes, the first step toward a more fulfilling career is just better self-awareness. It certainly makes it easier to talk about yourself in an interview when you know yourself better. https://lnkd.in/gvK4adK5 #CareerDevelopment #SelfDiscovery #CareerAssessment #MAPP #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerGem

Feeling stuck in your career can be a frustrating and demotivating experience. It can appear that everyone around you is moving forward while you're stuck in the same place. But the truth is, it's more common than you might think. Many people experience a career plateau or feel unsure about their career path at some point in their professional journey. The daily grind of work can take a toll on your motivation and make it difficult to see the bigger picture. It's easy to get caught up in the routine of your job and lose sight of your long-term goals. But it's important to remember that it's never too late to make a change and start moving towards your dream job. You need to adopt the right mindset and take a few simple steps to break free from the rut. Here are some tips to help you get started: 1. Reflect on your values and priorities: To find job satisfaction, aligning your work with your personal values and priorities is important. Take some time to reflect on what's important to you and what motivates you. Are you passionate about helping others? Do you value work-life balance? Once you clearly understand your values and priorities, you can start exploring career paths that align with them. 2. Identify your strengths and skills: Understanding your strengths and skills is key to finding a career path that's a good fit for you. Make a list of your strengths and skills, and think about how you can apply them in a new role or industry. For example, if you're great at problem-solving, consider a career in project management or consulting. 3. Network and research: Talking to people in your desired industry or role can give you valuable insights into the job market and help you make informed decisions. Contact people in your network or attend industry events to learn more about your options. Research companies and job openings that align with your values and goals. 4. Take action: Once you've identified your values, priorities, strengths, and skills, it's time to take action. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Apply for jobs that align with your goals and values. Take courses or certifications to develop new skills or improve existing ones. Remember, getting unstuck in your career takes time and effort. But with the right mindset and a few simple steps, you can start moving towards your dream job. #Career #Goals #Unstuck #Motivation #prioritize

"Who am I after a career that I’ve been in for so long?” 🤔 A client asked this question. This question resonates with many mid-career professionals who have dedicated years, even decades, to a particular path. It’s not just about the job; it’s about identity and purpose. The truth is, transitions can be daunting, especially when you’ve invested so much of yourself in your career. Finding joy in your work isn't about the next big title. It’s about doing the work you know you’re meant for, utilizing your gifts and talents in your work, and allowing your experiences to facilitate the development of your next. And here’s the beauty of it: a new chapter doesn’t mean erasing your past. It’s about evolving, growing, and embracing the possibility of becoming an even better version of yourself. So, how do you navigate this transformation? The answer lies in self-discovery, reinvention, and purpose-driven action. ✅ Self-Discovery: Start by reconnecting with who you are at your core. What are your values, passions, and talents that extend beyond your previous role? Understanding yourself is the first step to defining your new path. ✅ Reinvention: Embrace change as an opportunity, not a threat. Think of this phase as the chance to craft your future deliberately. What skills and knowledge can you add to your repertoire? How can you pivot your existing expertise into new avenues? ✅ Purpose-Driven Action: Finally, take intentional steps towards a career that aligns with your newfound clarity. Seek guidance, mentorship, or coaching to help you navigate this transition effectively. Remember, you’re not starting from scratch; you’re building upon a strong foundation of experience and wisdom. Your career journey is an evolution, and each chapter contributes to the masterpiece that is your life. So, to the question, “Who am I after a long career?” You are someone poised for remarkable growth, fulfillment, and a future filled with exciting possibilities. Whether your a mid-career professional set to reinvent yourself for what’s next or a leader whose company is experiencing layoff, let’s connect and explore the path forward together. #CareerDevelopment #SelfDiscovery #Reinvention #PurposeDrivenCareer #CareerTransition

A simple, unexpected question changed the course of my career. I was years into my marketing role at Yahoo when a representative from Gallup came to lead a workshop. During the session, he displayed a simple 2x2 chart with talents on one axis and skills on the other. Then he posed a question that caught me off guard: "How many of you are in the job you've always known you wanted?" Hands shot up around me in excitement, while I sat still. My heart sank with an uncomfortable realization: I wasn't in the job I always wanted. Even worse, I was on track to inherit my boss's position—a role I knew deep down wasn't for me. It dawned on me that I had become excellent at work that didn't fulfill me. This revelation sparked a crucial career development question for me: How can I steer my career toward roles that not only utilize my skills but also align with my natural talents—those activities that invigorate and inspire me? This question led me to transition from marketing to general management, where my talent and passion for building things and running businesses could thrive. Working in harmony with our talents doesn't just improve our output; it makes us feel alive and engaged. At Rising Team, we want to help everyone feel that way. We've developed an exercise to help individuals identify and align with their natural talents. Reach out if you're interested in learning more. For anyone feeling out of sync with their current role, remember this: we are happiest and most successful when our careers resonate with both our skills and talents. The sooner we get clear on those things, the sooner we can pursue career paths that energize us. — Like this post? Follow me for more insights on leadership, team building, and the future of work. Subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter Leadership is Everywhere: https://lnkd.in/g_VETsRY #careerdevelopment #leadership #personalgrowth

I find myself in conference rooms drawing a lot of circles. 🖊️ When I work with law firm leaders and professionals, I use several exercises to help them identify their niche. The Venn diagram exercise is just one—and it’s a simple but powerful way to visualize where you can thrive.  I’ve used it for both individual professionals, practice groups and law firms.  It's one of these- you can try it at home. In broad brushstrokes, here’s how it might work for an individual.  Think of a lawyer who starts off by saying, “I can do a million things to help potential clients.” 🔵 Circle 1: What do you love and what are you great at? Think introspectively. When have you felt in the flow? What days at work made you excited to jump in? What skills or topics make you feel energized and confident? Which clients did you like the most and feel most likely to help? What types of projects and industries do you find exciting? 🔵 Circle 2: What does the market need? Look outward - to your firm and to the business community and outside world. What are the pressing challenges or emerging trends in your field? Are there changes in regulations, industry disruptions, or evolving client needs? What areas are underserved or ready for innovation? And if you are at a firm, what are your practice's or firm’s goals? ✨ The Sweet Spot: The Overlap That’s hopefully where your niche is located. The place where you can bring your strengths to a real market need. It’s where your unique value shines—and where you’ll find growth and fulfillment. Whether you’re a lawyer, consultant, marketer, or any professional leading a firm, carving out your niche is like finding a personal compass. It’s your way to stay ahead , achieve success and love what you do. I’d love to hear what strategies others have used to identify their niches. #Niche #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #Businessdevelopment