Feeling lost or stuck in a rut is a tough place to be. You know you’re capable of more, but every time you think about your next step, nothing feels right.
The truth is, finding your dream job isn’t a something that happens overnight – it’s a personal journey of self-discovery.
Self-reflection is key to unlocking your potential and discovering a path that genuinely excites you.
Without truly understanding who you are and what drives you, it’s easy to get swept up in the expectations of others or chase goals that don’t resonate with your core desires.
But don’t worry, I’m here to help.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 7 questions that will help you dig deeper and find the clarity you’ve been seeking.
The answers are within you—sometimes, you just need the right questions to uncover them.
1) What are your passions?
We all have things that ignite our souls and make our hearts beat a little faster. These are our passions, the things we love to do, the activities that make us lose track of time.
For some, it might be writing, for others it could be coding, cooking, or even gardening. Your passions are unique to you.
Your dream job is likely to align with your passions.
Why?
Because when we love what we do, it doesn’t feel like work. It’s fulfilling and brings us joy.
In fact, research shows that feeling passionate about your job increases life satisfaction and subjective happiness.
But sometimes, our passions hide in the most unexpected places. They might even be something you’ve never considered as a career option before.
So take some time to ask yourself what you truly love to do. Dive deep into your hobbies, interests, and even those things you loved doing as a child but haven’t done in years.
2) What are you not good at?
It might seem strange to focus on what you’re not good at when trying to figure out your dream job. But bear with me here.
Understanding your weaknesses is just as important as knowing your strengths. It’s about knowing yourself in a holistic way and recognizing that we all have areas where we could use some improvement.
Think about it: If you’re not good at math, a career as an accountant or engineer might not be the best fit for you.
If public speaking makes you break out in cold sweats, a job that requires regular presentations might not be ideal.
Identifying these areas can help you find a career that plays to your strengths and minimizes the impact of your weaknesses.
So, take a moment to reflect on the tasks or activities that you find challenging.
Don’t shy away from them, but rather embrace them as an opportunity to better understand yourself and what type of work would truly suit you.
3) How do you handle stress?
Stress is a part of life, and no job is exempt from it. However, how we react to stress can say a lot about where our career satisfaction might lie.
According to research by psychologist Richard Lazarus, stress arises when we perceive a situation to be beyond our coping abilities.
So, understanding your personal stress response can provide valuable insights into the types of work environments and roles that you’re best equipped to handle.
Some people thrive under pressure and can make swift decisions, making them well-suited for high-stakes roles.
Others prefer a more predictable and steady pace, finding satisfaction in roles that require thoroughness and consistency.
Reflect on the times you’ve been stressed in the past.
How did you react? What was it about those situations that stressed you out? And most importantly, what helped you cope?
Your answers will shed light on the types of roles and environments where you’re most likely to thrive.
4) What pace do you prefer?
In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it can be easy to overlook the importance of pace. But it’s essential to consider when finding your dream job.
Everyone has their own rhythm, their own speed at which they feel most comfortable working.
For some, a fast-paced environment that’s constantly changing can be energizing and exciting.
For others, a slow and steady rhythm allows them to produce their best work.
There’s no right or wrong here. It’s all about what makes you comfortable and allows you to shine.
Are you someone who thrives on deadlines and quick turnaround times? Or do you prefer having the space to think deeply and thoroughly about your work?
5) What type of environment suits you?
We’ve all been there. That one job or class where the environment just didn’t feel right. Maybe it was too noisy, too quiet, too formal, or too relaxed.
It’s not always about the work itself – sometimes, it’s about where you’re doing it.
The environment in which we work plays a huge role in our performance and satisfaction.
Some of us flourish in a bustling office with lots of people and noise, finding the energy infectious. Others might prefer a tranquil setting, maybe even a home office, where they can focus without interruption.
Take some time to imagine your ideal workspace. Is it filled with chatter and collaboration? Or is it a serene space filled with plants and soft music?
Understanding what type of environment makes you feel most productive and content can be a crucial factor in pinpointing your dream job.
6) What values are important to you?
We all have different values that guide us in life. These values can significantly influence our career choices as well.
For example, a friend of mine always had a strong value of giving back to the community.
She found herself in a well-paying corporate job, but something just didn’t feel right. Despite the great salary and benefits, she realized that her job didn’t align with her deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on her community.
She decided to leave her corporate job and started a social enterprise. It was a challenging journey, but she found fulfillment in knowing that her work was making a difference in people’s lives.
So, think about what’s important to you. Is it creativity? Is it financial stability? Is it helping others?
Knowing your values can help guide you towards a career that not only satisfies your professional ambitions but also aligns with your personal beliefs and principles.
7) Are you willing to make sacrifices?
Let’s get real here. Finding your dream job isn’t a walk in the park. It takes hard work, dedication, and yes, sacrifices.
Your dream job might require you to go back to school, move to a new city, or even take a pay cut. Are you ready and willing to make these sacrifices?
This isn’t about scaring you away from your dreams. Quite the opposite, actually. It’s about making sure you’re prepared for the realities that come with pursuing what you love.
So, do some soul-searching. Think about what you’re willing to give up or change for the sake of your dream job.
It might be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s an essential part of the journey towards finding work that truly fulfills you.
Conclusion
To truly know oneself is the first step towards finding what truly matters in our professional life—and it all hinges on your personal values, passions, and strengths.
By taking the time to reflect on the questions we’ve covered, you’ll start to uncover not just what you want to do, but what you’re truly meant to do.
The journey may not always be straightforward, but each step of self-reflection brings you closer to a career that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Do you truly know yourself?
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