Why Finding Purpose Outside Of Our Career's Matter
Pursuing Purpose: #03 4 things to consider as a young professional pursuing their purpose.
Hi Young Professional,
In our every day life, we as young professionals often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of career ambitions and professional milestones.
While achieving success in our career is undoubtedly rewarding, it's crucial to recognize that fulfillment extends beyond the confines of our job title or paycheck.
Finding purpose outside of our career is a journey that we should embark on. This in my opinion will enrich our lives and allow us to discover a deeper sense of satisfaction.
Whether we’re just starting our professional journey or are a few years into our career, seeking purpose beyond work can offer a wealth of benefits, including personal growth, mental well-being, and a more balanced life.
So as we continue the conversation around pursuing purpose permit me to share with you four points on how we can find purpose outside of our careers.
What Really Matters
Ultimately, finding purpose outside of one's career is a deeply personal and evolving process. It requires curiosity, openness, and the courage to step outside of one's comfort zone.
By embracing life's multitude of experiences and actively engaging in the world outside of work, individuals can discover a sense of purpose that complements their professional lives and leads to a more balanced, fulfilling existence.
While I can't provide real-time or future statistics for 2024 as my knowledge is up to date only until 2023, I can discuss the growing trend among young professionals toward fulfilling their purpose through service and giving back, which has been on an upward trajectory in recent years.
This trend reflects a shift in values and priorities, with many young professionals seeking more than just financial success in their careers.
Research up to 2023 has shown that millennials and Gen Z professionals prioritize work that contributes to social and environmental causes more than previous generations did. For instance, Deloitte’s Global Millennial Survey in recent years highlighted that young professionals are increasingly looking for work that offers a sense of purpose and contributes positively to society. This has led to a significant number of young people engaging in social entrepreneurship, working for non-profits, or participating in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives within their organizations.
Moreover, the rise of social media and digital platforms has made it easier for young professionals to engage in philanthropy and activism.
Crowdfunding and social campaigns allow individuals to support causes they care about directly, from climate change initiatives to social justice projects. “This digital engagement has fostered a sense of global community and responsibility, encouraging more young people to think about how they can contribute positively to the world.
As we move into 2024 and beyond, it's expected that this trend will continue to grow. Employers are also recognizing the importance of aligning their values with those of their employees, offering more opportunities for staff to engage in meaningful work and give back to their communities.
The ongoing cultural shift towards purpose-driven work and social responsibility among young professionals is likely to keep progressing, shaping the future of work and philanthropy in significant ways.
Embarking on the Journey
Embarking on the journey to find purpose outside of our career is a deeply personal and enriching experience. This can be done by
Setting personal goals
Building a supportive community
Practicing intentionality
Serving Others
when we implement these four things I believe we’ll be well on our way to discovering a more balanced and fulfilling purpose.
Remember, our career is just one facet of who you are; there's a world of ‘life’ and experiences waiting to be explored beyond the employment treadmill.
So let’s make this practical.
Explorative Moment
One of the first steps in this journey is to explore our passions and interests outside the office is to consider what hobbies or activities bring us joy and make us lose track of time?
These are often the clues to what truly excites us and can be the foundation for finding purpose.
For some, it might be engaging in creative pursuits like painting, writing, or playing music. For others, it could be volunteering for a cause they are passionate about or participating in community activities. The key is to allow ourselves the freedom to explore different avenues without the pressure of turning them into another career.
To help you get started on this journey, here are four tips:
Set Personal Goals:
Just as we set professional goals, it's essential to set personal goals that align with our interests and values.
Whether it's learning a new skill, completing a creative project, or committing to a regular exercise routine, having personal goals gives us a sense of direction and accomplishment outside of work.
Build a Supportive Community:
We must surround ourselves with like-minded individuals who share our interests and values.
This could be through joining groups, attending workshops, or simply connecting with friends who inspire you.
A supportive community not only encourages you to pursue your passions but also provides a sense of belonging and connection.
Practice Intentionality and Self-Reflection:
When we take time to regularly reflect on our experiences and what brings us joy and fulfillment it cause us to be intentional with our mind and heart.
Practices like journaling, reading, or even quiet walks can help us connect with our inner self and gain clarity on what matters most to us.
This self-awareness is crucial in guiding us towards activities and pursuits that resonate with our purpose.
Serving others:
Service is not just a noble act; it is a fundamental aspect of faith and abundant living.
As a faith believer, serving others is not only a means to discover one's purpose but is also a core component of that purpose.
Jesus Christ exemplified a life dedicated to service and urged His disciples to follow in His footsteps. He emphasized that true greatness in His kingdom comes from a heart willing to serve others selflessly (Mark 10:43-45).
By delving into the realm of service, we can experience a deep sense of fulfillment and gain clarity regarding our purpose.
Acts of kindness, compassion, and service have the power to bring about profound meaning in our lives.
Whether through community service, ministry work, or simple acts of love in daily interactions, we can often uncover our purpose by mirroring God's love for humanity.
We’ve been talking about purpose in this four pieces series. And I’m wondering what revelation has been coming up for you?
I would love for you to share.
RESOURCES:
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Free Resource
“Discover your purpose” guide