When we make career decisions, it is easy to get swept up in the external pressures of society, family, or financial goals. But at the core of our existence and professional lives lies something deeper—our life purpose. Oxford English Dictionary defines purpose as; “The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” Purpose is the intersection of our natural abilities or talents, values, passion, and skills, guiding us to fulfilling and impactful work. The question is, how do we know if our career aligns with this purpose?

1. Self-Reflection: Is Your Work Aligned with Your Values?
The first step to understanding if your career is aligned with your purpose is to engage in deep self-reflection. Take a step back and ask yourself:

• What are my natural abilities or talents?
• What values do I hold dear?
• What drives me when I wake up every morning?
• What brings me joy and fulfillment; both inside and outside of work?

Your purpose-driven career should ideally reflect these core values and a sense of fulfillment. If, for example, you value creativity, your work should offer an outlet for creative expression. If you prioritize helping others, your career might be centered around people-oriented services such as healthcare, hospitality, etc. If there is no sense of fulfillment and a gap exists between what you value and what you are currently doing, this is a strong signal that alignment with purpose might be lacking.

2. Evaluate Your Strengths: Are You Leveraging Your Natural Talents?
Look at the skills you have developed over the years. Are you using your innate talents or expertise in your current job? Purposeful careers are often those that align with our strengths and bring a sense of fulfillment, so if your work feels difficult or unfulfilling, it could be because you’re not using the talents that come most naturally to you.

Ask yourself:

• What skills do I feel most confident using?
• Where do I excel without needing to try hard?
• Does my current career tap into these strengths?

If you find that your job demands skills you do not enjoy or that drain your energy, consider how you can pivot into a role that better utilizes your core competencies. Dust off those natural talents of yours and put them to use.

3. Impact: Are You Making a Difference?
True alignment with purpose often results in positive change. Reflect on whether your work impacts the world around you—whether that is through helping individuals, creating products that solve problems, or influencing the course of a project or organization.
Ask yourself:

• Do I feel like my work is contributing to something greater than myself?
• What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind?
• How fulfilled am I in this career?

If you feel that your work is not making the impact you desire, then it is a sign to explore opportunities where you can contribute meaningfully to the world and be fulfilled.

4. Career Satisfaction & Energy:
An often-overlooked sign that your career might be misaligned with your purpose is the way it affects your energy levels. When your work is in alignment with your purpose, it energizes you and feels deeply satisfying. Irrespective of the challenges encountered, you are motivated daily by the sense of fulfillment derived from doing what you do. If you are constantly drained, demotivated, or uninspired, it is time to explore a career path that aligns with who you are and what you are created for.

Take some time to really think about your energy levels throughout the workweek. Are you feeling excited on Mondays or dreading the week ahead? Listen to these cues as they can help clarify whether your career and purpose are in harmony.

Final Thoughts:
Your career may not be in alignment with your purpose right now, but that does not mean it is too late to make changes.  Purpose is not a destination; it is a journey that is daily lived and expressed. Use the insights you gain through reflection, strength evaluation, and understanding your impact to chart a new course for a career that brings you closer to fulfillment.

I see you as a hero with the inner potential to excel!

Send me a message today and let’s work together towards your fulfilling Career. Coachdaniel@danieladewuni.com

I am Coach Daniel – Your Career Accountability Partner!

www.danieladewuni.com