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Weekly Insight: Realigning Your Career with Your Core Values



Today, it's all too easy to find yourself caught in a cycle of stress, exhaustion, and dissatisfaction. The relentless pursuit of success often leads professionals down paths that, while seemingly promising, ultimately leave them feeling unfulfilled and burnt out. Is there a way to break free from this cycle and find true satisfaction in your professional life? The answer lies in aligning your career with your core values – a transformative process that can lead you from burnout to bliss.


This comprehensive guide will explore how professionals, particularly those between the ages of 25 and 45, can identify their core values and use them as a compass to navigate their career decisions. By the end of this journey, you'll be equipped with the tools and insights needed to create a more fulfilling professional life that resonates with your deepest beliefs and aspirations.



Identifying Your Core Values: The Foundation of Career Satisfaction

At the heart of career realignment is the process of identifying your core values. These are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide your decisions, shape your behavior, and define what's truly important to you. While they may seem abstract, core values are the bedrock upon which a fulfilling career – and life – is built.


To begin this journey of self-discovery, it's crucial to set aside time for introspection. This isn't a process that can be rushed or outsourced; it requires honest reflection and a willingness to dig deep into your psyche. Start by asking yourself probing questions:

  • What activities make you feel most alive and energized?

  • When have you felt most proud of yourself?

  • What issues or causes do you feel most passionate about?

  • What qualities do you admire most in others?

  • If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?


As you ponder these questions, patterns will begin to emerge. Perhaps you consistently find joy in helping others, indicating that altruism is a core value. Or maybe you're drawn to innovative technologies, suggesting that creativity and progress are central to your worldview.


Another effective technique is to review a list of common values – such as integrity, adventure, family, wealth, or personal growth – and rank them in order of importance to you. This forced prioritization can reveal surprising insights about what truly matters most in your life.


Remember, there are no right or wrong answers in this process. Your core values are unique to you, shaped by your experiences, upbringing, and innate personality. The key is to be honest with yourself and resist the urge to choose values that you think you "should" have. This exercise is about discovering your authentic self, not conforming to external expectations.



Assessing Your Current Career Alignment: Where Do You Stand?

Once you've identified your core values, the next step is to assess how well your current career aligns with them. This can be a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable process, as it often reveals discrepancies between what we value and how we spend our professional lives.


Begin by listing your primary job responsibilities and the key aspects of your work environment. Then, for each item, consider how it relates to your core values. Does it support and reinforce them, or does it conflict with what you value? For example, if one of your core values is work-life balance, but your job regularly requires 60-hour weeks, there's a clear misalignment.


It's important to be thorough in this assessment, considering not just the obvious aspects of your job, but also the more subtle elements. This might include the company culture, your relationships with colleagues, the impact of your work on society, and your potential for growth and development within the organization.


As you conduct this assessment, pay attention to your emotional responses. Do certain aspects of your job consistently leave you feeling drained or frustrated? These negative emotions often signal a misalignment with your values. Conversely, which parts of your work bring you joy and satisfaction? Which parts of your job put you in flow where you accomplish huge amounts of work and time flies by - you were in the zone. These are likely the areas where your job and your values are in harmony.


It's also valuable to consider the degree of alignment. Perfect alignment with every core value is rare, and some level of compromise is often necessary. The goal is to identify significant misalignments that are impacting your overall job satisfaction and well-being.



Steps to Realign: Bridging the Gap Between Values and Career

Having identified any misalignments between your core values and your current career, the next phase is to develop a strategy for realignment. This doesn't necessarily mean quitting your job immediately or making drastic changes overnight. Instead, it's about taking intentional steps to bring your professional life into greater harmony with your values.


Start by prioritizing the misalignments you've identified. Which ones are causing the most stress or dissatisfaction? These should be your primary focus. Then, for each priority area, brainstorm potential solutions. These might include:

  1. Reframing your current role: Sometimes, small shifts in how you approach your work can make a big difference. If creativity is a core value, but your job feels routine, could you propose new projects or innovative approaches to existing tasks?


  2. Seeking new opportunities within your organization: Many companies offer opportunities for internal transfers or role expansions. If your current position doesn't align with your values, perhaps another department or role within the same company would be a better fit.


  3. Developing new skills: Sometimes, the path to alignment requires acquiring new capabilities. If one of your core values is continuous learning, investing in professional development can both satisfy this value and open doors to more aligned opportunities.


  4. Negotiating changes to your current role: Don't underestimate the power of open communication with your employer. If you're a valued employee, your company may be willing to adjust your responsibilities or work arrangements to better align with your values.


  5. Exploring entrepreneurship or freelancing: For some, true alignment may come from creating their own role. If autonomy and creativity are core values, starting a business or freelancing might be the path to fulfillment.


  6. Transitioning to a new career: In some cases, significant misalignment may necessitate a more dramatic change. This could involve switching to a different industry or pursuing a completely new career path.


As you consider these options, it's crucial to approach the process with patience and realism. Career realignment is often a gradual journey rather than an overnight transformation. Set realistic goals and timelines, and be prepared for setbacks and challenges along the way.


It's also important to seek support during this process. This might include talking to a career coach, networking with professionals in fields you're interested in, or joining support groups for people undergoing career transitions. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and others' experiences and insights can be invaluable resources.




Success Stories: Inspiration from Those Who've Made the Leap

To truly understand the power of aligning your career with your core values, it's helpful to look at real-life examples of individuals who have successfully made this transition. These stories not only provide inspiration but also offer practical insights into the challenges and rewards of career realignment.


Consider the story of Beth, a 32-year-old manager who found herself dissatisfied and burning out in her high-pressure corporate job. Through a process of self-reflection, Beth realized that her core values of creativity, work-life balance, and making a positive impact were not being met in her current role. Over the course of three months, she applied for university acceptance, and transitioned into an executive program to increase her credentials. Within a year, she was hired as a freelance marketing consulting for non-profit organizations. This shift allowed her to use her skills in a way that aligned with her values, leading to a dramatic increase in job satisfaction and overall well-being.


Another inspiring example is that of Michael, a 40-year-old accountant who had always felt a disconnect between his job and his passion for environmental conservation. After identifying this misalignment, Michael began volunteering with local environmental organizations in his spare time. This experience not only satisfied his value of contributing to a cause he cared about but also led to connections that eventually resulted in a new career as a financial advisor for sustainable businesses. While the transition took time and required additional training, Michael now reports a sense of purpose and fulfillment that he never experienced in his previous role.


These stories highlight several key lessons:

  • Career realignment often happens gradually, through a series of small steps rather than one big leap.

  • Volunteering or side projects can be excellent ways to explore new areas aligned with your values before making a full career transition.

  • Sometimes, it's possible to combine existing skills with new passions to create a unique career path.

  • The benefits of aligning your career with your values often extend beyond job satisfaction to overall life satisfaction and well-being.


While these success stories are inspiring, it's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique. What worked for Beth or Michael may not be the exact path for you. However, their experiences demonstrate that with persistence, creativity, and a clear understanding of your values, it is possible to transform your career and find true fulfillment in your professional life.



Your Action Plan: Practical Steps Towards Career Realignment

Now that we've explored the importance of aligning your career with your core values, examined methods for identifying misalignments, and looked at inspirational success stories, it's time to create a concrete action plan. This plan will serve as your roadmap for moving from burnout to bliss in your professional life.


  1. Conduct a thorough values assessment: Set aside dedicated time to go through the exercises outlined in section one. Write down your identified core values and keep them visible as a constant reminder.


  2. Evaluate your current career situation: Use the techniques from section two to assess how well your current job aligns with each of your core values. Be honest and thorough in this evaluation.


  3. Prioritize areas for change: Based on your assessment, identify the most significant misalignments that are impacting your job satisfaction and overall well-being.


  4. Set SMART goals: For each priority area, set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. For example, "Within the next three months, I will have a conversation with my manager about taking on projects that allow for more creativity in my role."


  5. Create a skills development plan: Identify any skills gaps that may be preventing you from moving towards a more aligned career. Research courses, workshops, certifications or degrees, that could help bridge these gaps.


  6. Expand your network: Join professional associations, attend industry events, or connect with individuals whose careers align with your values. These connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to new opportunities.


  7. Experiment with side projects: If you're considering a significant career change, start by exploring your interests through volunteering, freelance work, or personal projects. This low-risk approach allows you to test the waters before making a major leap.


  8. Regularly reassess and adjust: Set a reminder to review your progress every three to six months. Be prepared to adjust your goals and strategies as you gain new insights and experiences.


  9. Seek support: Consider working with a career coach, joining a support group, or finding an accountability partner to help keep you motivated and on track.


  10. Practice patience and self-compassion: Remember that career realignment is a journey, not a destination. Be kind to yourself as you navigate this process, and celebrate small wins along the way.


As you work through this action plan, it's crucial to maintain a balance between pursuing your goals and managing your current responsibilities. Career realignment doesn't have to mean burning bridges or making rash decisions. Instead, approach it as a thoughtful, strategic process of gradually steering your professional life towards greater alignment with your core values.



Embracing the Journey from Burnout to Bliss

The path from career burnout to professional bliss is rarely straightforward, but it is undoubtedly worthwhile. By taking the time to identify your core values, assess your current career alignment, and take intentional steps towards greater harmony between your work and your beliefs, you open the door to a more fulfilling and satisfying professional life.


Remember that this process is deeply personal and unique to each individual. What constitutes a "dream job" for one person may be a source of stress for another. The key is to stay true to your own values and aspirations, rather than pursuing someone else's definition of success.


As you embark on this journey of career realignment, be prepared for challenges and setbacks. There may be moments of doubt or fear, particularly if you're considering significant changes. However, by staying connected to your core values and remaining committed to your long-term well-being, you can navigate these obstacles with resilience and purpose.


Ultimately, the goal of aligning your career with your core values is not just about finding a job you enjoy. It's about creating a professional life that contributes to your overall sense of fulfillment, allows you to make meaningful contributions to the world, and enables you to live in accordance with your deepest beliefs and principles.


As you move forward, remember that career realignment is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Your values may evolve over time, and new opportunities for alignment may arise. Stay open to these changes, and be willing to reassess and adjust your path as needed.


By committing to this journey of self-discovery and intentional career development, you're taking a powerful step towards not just professional success but personal thriving. The road from burnout to bliss may be challenging, but the rewards – a sense of purpose, increased job satisfaction, and overall well-being – are immeasurable. Embrace the journey, trust in your values, and look forward to a future where your career is a source of joy and fulfillment rather than stress and exhaustion.






- Leslie

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Leslie Karmazinuk is a distinguished healthcare professional and executive coach with a proven track record of empowering leaders to unlock their potential and drive meaningful change within their organizations. With over eight years of experience mentoring and coaching over 500 leaders and executives, Leslie combines her extensive knowledge of healthcare systems with her passion for leadership development, making her the ideal coach for executives in the healthcare sector.

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