“Choose a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” It’s a beautiful idea, but for many people, it feels out of reach.
The modern world doesn’t always encourage self-reflection. Career decisions are influenced by grades, job security, family expectations, even the fear of falling behind. By the time we realise we’re in the wrong lane, it can feel too late, or too risky, to switch.
But it isn’t, and you don’t need to burn everything down to make a change. You just need a better way of tuning in to what makes work meaningful for you.
So here are five ways to do that – proven steps we’ve seen help thousands of people find direction, confidence and a better fit for who they are.
1. Identify your ‘work glimmers’
A brilliant article was recently published in Stylist, which our CEO, Victoria McLean, contributed to, talking about the concept of “work glimmers”. Everyone’s had them: those fleeting, but powerful moments at work where something just *clicks*, like a presentation that went really well, or rapport with your colleagues that makes you feel a sense of belonging.
These work glimmers tell you: This matters to me, this gives me energy, this is what I’m good at. They’re often overlooked because we’re trained to focus on outcomes, not feelings. But glimmers are where purpose hides, so it helps to notice them.
Keep a running record: When do you feel most yourself at work? When do you get that subtle jolt of “this is me”? The patterns that emerge aren’t tied to job titles; they’re about environments, tasks, people, values. They’re a powerful compass, pointing to what fits, or when it’s time to move on.
2. Look beyond the job description
One of the biggest mistakes people make when exploring new roles is thinking purely in terms of what they’ll do, rather than how they want to feel.
Job descriptions rarely tell you about the culture you’ll be working in, making it essential to define your own non-negotiables that go deeper than “I want work-life balance”:
- Do you want to be part of a small team where your impact is visible?
- Do you crave autonomy, or do you thrive with clear direction?
- Do you prefer creative freedom or structure and predictability?
- What kind of manager brings out the best in you?
- What sort of challenges excite you, and which drain you?
Once you’ve defined these priorities, be prepared to ask about them in interviews, during conversations with current employees, or by looking for clues in how the company talks about its culture. Really fight for them, because the most fulfilling careers start with alignment.
3. Don’t expect clarity to land in one big ‘aha’ moment
Clarity about what kind of job you’ll love doesn’t arrive in one moment; it unfolds gradually. Testing, having honest conversations and self-reflecting is how it takes shape.
Be proactive. Talk to people in industries you’re curious about – not just about what they do, but what they love, what’s hard and what they wish they knew starting out. Or volunteer for a work project that nudges you into new territory; just stepping slightly outside your comfort zone can unlock interests and skills you hadn’t realised before.
Finally, reflect on past roles, focusing not just on the job descriptions, but how those experiences made you feel. When did you feel energised? When were you burnt out? When did you feel proud of your contributions?
Even if none of these experiments point to a dream job, they’ll help you build self-awareness, giving you the language to describe what you want and the confidence to go after it.
4. Use outside guidance to find direction
Sometimes, it’s hard to read the label from inside the jar. You might have a sense that something’s off, but knowing how to course-correct isn’t very straightforward.
An outside perspective really helps here. For some, that comes through working with a career coach; someone trained to listen deeply and ask the questions that spark new thinking. A good coach helps you surface blind spots, challenge assumptions and connect the dots between your values, strengths and ambitions.
Guidance doesn’t only exist in formal settings. If coaching isn’t accessible to you, try:
- Finding a mentor, formally or informally. A manager, a trusted colleague, someone whose career you admire – they can all offer insight into your strengths and what paths you might explore.
- Seeking out stories, not just advice. Listen to podcasts, attend industry panels or read career profiles from people who’ve taken non-linear routes. Seeing how others have navigated uncertainty gives you the courage and permission to find a job you’ll love.
- Creating your own space for reflection. Regularly block out some time to journal about your current role, what fulfilled you that week, what frustrated you, and what patterns are emerging. That habit alone can be surprisingly clarifying.
5. Remember: You’re not starting over, you’re stepping forward
A common fear that comes with following your passions and changing direction is the idea that you’re throwing away everything you’ve built. But that’s simply not true.
Every chapter of your career has value. The communication skills you gained in customer service, the problem-solving from operations, the resilience from working under pressure – all of it transfers.
The key is learning how to reframe your experience in a way that aligns with where you’re heading. It’s about understanding the through-line in your history and knowing how to tell your story with purpose and pride. You’re not lost, you’re evolving, and every bit of progress you’ve made so far will shape what comes next.
A career that fits you
Work should be where your energy, values and talents come alive. Finding the right job is, therefore, about building something that fits who you are now and who you’re becoming. That takes time, reflection and sometimes a little bravery. But it’s entirely possible.
Whether you’re mid-career and hungering for something new, or starting to toy with the idea of Non-Executive Director roles, this is your sign to take a closer look – not at what’s out there, but at what’s in you. If you need some support on this journey, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help you get the job you truly deserve.