How to Land a Job That Aligns With Your Lifestyle

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are thinking about the state of their careers. While thousands of people have lost jobs throughout this pandemic, there are certain industries that are booming. It could be a perfect time to consider whether you’re in the right career or not.

Do you often feel stressed because of work? Are you overwhelmed, or feel like you can’t strike a healthy work-life balance? If so, it’s likely your job isn’t aligning with your lifestyle.

Whether you need fewer hours, more independence, or more flexibility, it’s important to find a job that aligns with your lifestyle. Thankfully, it’s not an impossible task when you use a few key strategies to make it happen.

Focus On Your Values

Even if you work for a great company, make a lot of money, or have amazing benefits, you will undoubtedly feel like something is lacking if your job doesn’t line up with your personal values, beliefs, and your purpose.

So, ask yourself what those things are when you’re considering a different career. Think about the things that lift you up. One way to do that is to look at past experiences and recall times in your life that made you feel:

• Content
• Challenged
• Motivated
• Fulfilled

You should also look at times in your life where you felt bored, unmotivated, or distracted. Did any of those feelings (positive or negative) have to do with your career at the time? If your job doesn’t align with your personal mission, not only will you be less passionate about it, but could even make you feel guilty or depressed.

Maybe your values include helping others, and applying for a career as a registered nurse would be a perfect fit. Or, maybe you want to create the next innovative invention, so working in the tech industry would motivate you. It’s also important to look at how specific industries line up with the things that are important to you. That can change on a business-to-business basis, which is why it’s imperative to do research on a company or brand before you commit to working there.

Find Fulfillment in Your Work

In order to find fulfillment in your work, you can’t commit yourself to a job that contrasts heavily with the rest of your life. Maybe you’re overly-ambitious, but a job that causes you to work extreme hours each week and take away from your home life can be damaging to your mental and physical health.

Jobs that cut into your home life can make it hard to feel happy. For some people, that might mean needing a career that allows you to sleep in or work remotely. For others, you might need to feel challenged or constantly inspired in order not to succumb to anxiety or depression.

If you’re applying for new jobs, don’t be afraid to create a resume that shares what you’re looking for. Be concise with your text and talk about your skills and experience in a way that reflects what you really want from a job.

There is no rule that says you have to job hop from business to business until you find one that aligns with your lifestyle. If you’re struggling to find something that fits, it could be a sign that it’s time to branch out on your own. Having a passion for something is a great excuse to start your own business.

When you’re a business owner, you can set your own hours, create a culture that fits your lifestyle and hire employees that are looking for something similar.

They say when you’re doing what you’ll love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Everyone should strive for that. So, if you’re looking for a job that fits your values and your everyday needs, think outside the box, and don’t settle for anything less.

Image Source: Unsplash

About Beau Peters