In the world of work, we often hear phrases like “follow your passion” or “find your purpose.” These ideas can feel overwhelming, especially when we’re unsure of what our true purpose is. The truth is, not every job you have will be your purpose—but that doesn’t mean each job shouldn’t serve one. Instead of fixating on finding a career that perfectly aligns with your life’s purpose, it’s more practical—and liberating—to understand that every job can help you uncover pieces of your purpose along the way.
When we think about purpose, many of us imagine a perfect alignment between our passions, values, and careers. However, this expectation can put immense pressure on us to find a job that ticks all the boxes, leading to disappointment when reality doesn’t match that ideal. But here’s the truth: not every job is going to be your dream job. And that’s okay. What matters is that each job serves a purpose in your broader career journey. Whether it’s gaining new skills, building your network, or helping you understand what you don’t want, each role you take plays a part in your growth and discovery.
Instead of worrying about whether a job is your ultimate calling, ask yourself: What purpose is this job serving right now? It could be providing you with financial stability, a chance to learn something new, or even simply giving you the time and space to figure out what you truly want. When you frame your work in terms of the purpose it’s serving in the moment, you relieve yourself of the burden of perfection and instead focus on making the most of every opportunity.
The pressure to have it all figured out can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of your life’s purpose. However, not knowing your purpose isn’t a flaw—it’s part of the journey. Discovery comes from curiosity, and curiosity is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your career.
Being curious means remaining open to exploring new possibilities, taking on different experiences, and allowing yourself to be pulled toward things that pique your interest. You don’t need to know where you’re going right away—what’s important is that you’re moving in the direction of something that feels right, something that resonates with you.
Curiosity is the fuel that keeps you moving forward, especially when you’re unsure of your destination. When you let curiosity guide you, you’ll start to notice patterns—certain types of work, projects, or environments that you feel drawn to. These are the signposts on your career journey, indicating that you’re moving toward something meaningful, even if you can’t define it yet.
In life, your values act as your North Star, guiding you through the decisions you make, both personally and professionally. Values are those core principles that define who you are and what you believe in, and they serve as a compass when you’re navigating uncertainty. Even when you don’t have a clear sense of your purpose, your values can provide a sense of direction.
When you’re faced with career decisions, ask yourself: Does this align with my values? If the answer is yes, you’re likely heading in the right direction, even if you’re not entirely sure what the end goal looks like yet. By consistently aligning yourself with your values—whether they are integrity, creativity, growth, or service—you are already living in alignment with your North Star.
When we talk about following your North Star, we’re not just talking about a fixed destination. Your North Star is the guiding force that pulls you in a direction that feels right for you. It’s the combination of your values, your passions, and your curiosity. And here’s the secret: your North Star doesn’t have to be static. It’s your star, and you have the power to change its course, its meaning, and its purpose as you evolve.
At different stages of your career, your North Star may shift, and that’s perfectly normal. Early in your career, your focus might be on learning and growth. Later, you might be pulled toward leadership, service, or creativity. As your experiences shape you, your values may deepen, and your North Star may guide you toward new, unexpected horizons.
While the path to discovering your purpose can be winding, there are ways to ensure you’re consistently moving in the right direction. Here are five ways to check in with yourself and stay aligned with your North Star:
Regular Reflection – Set aside time to reflect on your career and the choices you’re making. Are you still aligned with your values? Is your curiosity being satisfied? Are you learning and growing?
Follow Your Curiosity – Keep exploring new fields, roles, or industries. Pay attention to what pulls you in and excites you, even if it doesn’t seem like an obvious next step.
Talk to Mentors – Mentors can offer a valuable perspective, especially if they’ve navigated similar paths. They can help you see connections between your experiences and offer guidance when you’re uncertain.
Evaluate Your Happiness – Regularly assess your job satisfaction. Are you feeling fulfilled? Is your work contributing to your overall happiness and well-being?
Stay Flexible – Remember, your North Star may change. As you grow, your priorities may shift, and that’s okay. Be open to adjusting your goals and adapting your path.
In the end, your purpose isn’t a fixed destination but an evolving journey. You don’t need to know exactly what it is to move forward—curiosity and values will guide you along the way. Follow your North Star, explore with an open mind, and trust that as long as you’re heading in the direction of what feels right, you’re on the path to discovering your purpose.
About the Author
Jennifer Star is a recruiter specializing in placing executive personal assistants to CEOs, founders, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. With a mission to empower all job seekers, Jennifer provides the tools and strategies they need to make smart decisions in their job searches, helping them build careers they truly love. Before transitioning into recruiting for the tech and finance sectors, Jennifer was a teacher of the deaf, which gave her a unique perspective on communication. She now instills a strong foundation of communication skills in her clients, teaching them how to craft compelling resumes and articulate their value in interviews so they walk into every meeting with confidence. Responding to the surge in demand during a competitive job market, Jennifer created a self-guided digital course designed for those seeking clarity in the administrative field, helping them identify positions and pathways to build a fulfilling career. Her guided coaching program will be incorporated into this course, allowing her to reach more people with essential career education. Jennifer ensures job seekers are always equipped to navigate life’s pivots—whether desired or unexpected—so they can seize opportunities fully prepared.
To learn more about Jennifer, and her upcoming course, follow her on LinkedIn, or feel free to send her an email.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferstarfocusedsearch/
Jennifer@StarFocusedSearch.com
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