Build Meaningful Career

11,000 days. That's the number of days you'llfield, job, industry that you have a passionate
probably work over your lifetime. You'll likely have sixinterest in.
or seven career changes and 11 or 12 jobs in total.Others have done it and so can you. Sometimes it's
You may be wondering if you need a change now.easy to forget that we can change if we really want
30 million people go to work each day to a job theyto. Although she was a prominent lawyer, my client
hate. The harmful feelings permeate their entire life,Sarah was dissatisfied in her work, and glad to take a
putting a negative cloud over the home, their friendsfew years off to have two children. She told me she
and many of their other activities. They may lack thehated "practicing law." She found it boring, yet she
know-how to change, may be afraid of leaving thefelt enormous guilt at abandoning a career she spent
security of a paycheck, or have a hundred excusesyears training for and made great money in. We
for why it's okay to be so dissatisfied and stay atworked together, focusing on her real interests and
their job.natural talents. Sarah landed a terrific new job as an
There is a better way to live your life. Meaningfulexecutive director for a nonprofit organization. She
purpose is a driving force that adds enthusiasm toleads others, influences policies, develops programs,
your days. Taking a passion and making it yourand is a very happy person. "I even make a great
career -- living a dream -- can be not just a wish, butsalary, but I love my job so much, I'd do this for
a true and certain reality. Here are a few steps tofree," she said.
get the new career rolling: Do some self-analysis. AskMake a decision. Many people flounder for years and
yourself -- What really matters to me? Whatnever turn their dreams into reality. They let
problem or wrong would I like to fix? What do Ithemselves remain in a negative or stuck place. Only
enjoy? Where are my interests and hobbies? Whataction can change your life. Read a book. Take
are my priorities? What is my secret passion? Whatvocational tests. Use a good career-management
do I want to do with the rest of my life? Reviewingprofessional. Do some career exploration and gather
these questions can give you new insight to whereall the information you need. Then make a decision
you want to go.and go forward. Outline the action steps to reach
Use your unique genius and talents. Every person isyour career goal. The only thing at stake is your
born with a unique set of natural abilities. Talents,happiness. Finding meaning, passion and purpose
such as managing, creating, researching, trainingevery day you go to work is the wonderful reward,
others, drawing, can all seem like easy work becauseso don't wait any longer. Begin right now and set in
you have a natural flair for them. True happinessmotion your own plan to live a happier, more
comes from combining your natural talents,satisfying life.
developing and excelling in them, and working in a