How do you know if a career is right for you?

How do you know if you’ve chosen the right career path? In today’s world, many employees tend to job hop from one gig to the next, always searching for that dream role. It’s easy to understand why you might question your own career path. 

Perhaps you’ve always felt content in your work but seeing others move around so much has left you thinking about finding a new job yourself. Or perhaps you’re not crazy and you’ve actually hit the nail on the head with your career! If that’s the case, it’s time to drown out the sound of your colleagues filling in their job applications, and focus on excelling in your own career. 

Here are 6 signs you’re in the right career:

• Your job offers long-term career progression
• You strive to go above and beyond
• You like talking about your work
• You enjoy working with your colleagues
• You’re engaged during meetings
• You have a genuine interest in the company mission

6 signs you’ve found the right career

1. Your job offers long-term career progression

A real career will provide opportunities for you to progress into more senior positions. What makes a career is having the ability to better yourself, take on more responsibility and make more of an impact. If you can find a company that can provide tangible career progression opportunities, you’re onto a good thing!

2. You strive to go above and beyond

A sure sign you’re in the right career is when you strive to go above and beyond in your work – you care about your work so much that you couldn’t possibly view it as a tick box exercise whilst doing the bare minimum. Wanting to pour your heart and soul into your job indicates you’re in a fulfilling line of work.

3. You like talking about your work

Many people want to forget about work the second they clock out of it. If you’re really passionate about your work, you’ll find your passion still exists when you leave the office doors. For you, it’s interesting to discuss your work and industry outside of your 9-5. This shows you have a genuine passion and won’t be getting bored any time soon.

4. You enjoy working with your colleagues

On average, you’ll spend one third of your life at work. That’s a lot of time to be spending with people whose company you don’t really enjoy. Part of a great career is being surrounded by people who inspire you. If you’re lucky enough to find a team you can bounce off, think twice before letting that go!

5. You’re engaged during meetings

Many employees will switch off during team meetings. For some, it’s a snooze-fest and a bit of time away from their desk. But when you’re passionate about your career, you’ll generally look forward to team meetings and actively participate in them.

6. You have a genuine interest in the company mission

Finding the right career isn’t just about the type of position you occupy, but also about the type of company you’re working for. To have true fulfilment, you need to be passionate about your company’s mission. This is what’s going to push you to excel. If you’re not interested in the mission, chances are you’ll soon run out of drive.

The grass isn’t always greener

No career is perfect and every job has its challenges. But if you found yourself nodding along to most of those points, it seems as though you’ve found yourself an excellent career and don’t have any real reasons to leave your job. Don’t be tempted to launch a new job search just because a new opportunity has presented itself. If you’re enjoying your work and have space to progress, embrace the opportunity you’re in until it no longer fulfills you.

If you’re still hoping to find a job you love, take the time to plan your next career move to make it count!