Janet Holman Gillin, a dedicated advocate from Okay, Oklahoma, works tirelessly to help individuals in the realms of child welfare, disability services, and job coaching. Her career is centered on empowering people to gain independence, thrive, and lead fulfilling lives. With years of experience, Janet has learned that one of the key steps to a meaningful career is aligning your job search with your true values.
The Importance of Self-Discovery
Before you can successfully navigate the job market, it’s essential to know what truly matters to you. Self-discovery is the first step in understanding your personal values and how they shape your career choices. For Janet, this process was key in guiding the individuals she works with toward more successful careers. She believes that when we know our core values, we can make choices that align with our deeper sense of purpose.
“Your job should reflect what you care about most,” Janet says. “If your values aren’t reflected in the work you do, you’ll struggle to feel fulfilled.”
Self-discovery involves asking yourself some crucial questions: What motivates you? What do you care about deeply? What impact do you want to have on the world? These reflections can help you understand what’s truly important in your career journey.
Identifying Core Values
Identifying your core values might not always be easy, but it’s worth the effort. Core values are the principles that guide your behavior and decisions. They define what feels right and wrong, what you stand for, and what kind of environment you thrive in. Janet suggests thinking about the moments in your life when you’ve felt most satisfied and fulfilled. These moments often reveal what your core values are.
For example, if you’ve felt happiest in environments where collaboration and teamwork are emphasized, then values like cooperation, communication, and mutual respect are likely important to you. If you find meaning in helping others, values such as empathy, service, and compassion may be central to your job search.
In Janet’s work, many of the individuals she supports have faced challenges in recognizing their values due to personal struggles. Through coaching and guidance, Janet helps them uncover what is truly important to them. She believes that when people recognize their values, they are better equipped to pursue careers that fit them, leading to greater satisfaction and success.
Aligning Values with Career Goals
Once you have identified your core values, it’s time to align them with your career goals. This alignment is the key to finding a job that not only suits your skills but also reflects your values. Janet emphasizes that career fulfillment comes when your job is in harmony with what you believe in.
When people seek jobs that don’t align with their values, they often feel disconnected from their work. Over time, this can lead to burnout, frustration, and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, when people choose careers that resonate with their core beliefs, they tend to be more engaged, motivated, and productive.
For instance, if you value flexibility and work-life balance, then pursuing a job that allows you to maintain those boundaries is crucial. If you value creativity, a job in a field that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving will likely lead to greater satisfaction. Janet stresses that it’s important to reflect on your values regularly and adjust your career goals accordingly.
Practical Steps to Align Your Values and Job Search
Janet shares several practical tips for aligning your values with your job search. These steps are designed to help you make intentional choices that lead to greater fulfillment in your career.
- Reflect on Your Values Regularly: Take the time to think about your values, both personally and professionally. It can help to write down your thoughts or discuss them with a mentor, coach, or trusted friend. Regular reflection allows you to stay grounded in what’s important to you.
- Research Potential Employers: Research companies or organizations that align with your values. Look at their mission statements, values, and work culture. Do they reflect your personal beliefs? Do they prioritize the same things that matter to you? If a company’s values don’t match yours, it’s worth reconsidering whether it’s the right fit.
- Use Values-Based Decision Making: As you consider job offers or opportunities, weigh them against your values. If an opportunity doesn’t support your personal or professional values, it may be a sign to pass it up. Making decisions based on your values ensures that you choose a path that feels right for you.
- Seek Roles That Offer Purpose: When you’re looking for a job, ask yourself if the work you’ll be doing contributes to something greater than just a paycheck. Does it align with your values of service, impact, or personal growth? Finding purpose in your job can lead to increased motivation and job satisfaction.
- Embrace Flexibility in Your Search: Be open to various career paths that may align with your values. Janet advises that you don’t limit yourself to traditional roles or industries. Sometimes, the most fulfilling careers come from unexpected places. Stay open-minded and explore different avenues that might resonate with your values.
- Consider Personal Growth Opportunities: Look for positions that will help you grow not just professionally, but also personally. If you value continuous learning and development, choose a career that allows you to expand your skills and knowledge.
Overcoming Challenges in Aligning Values with Career
It’s not always easy to find the perfect job that aligns with your values. Janet acknowledges that there will be challenges along the way. Economic pressures, societal expectations, and limited opportunities can make it hard to pursue a job that reflects your core values.
However, Janet Holman Gillin believes that it’s important to persevere and stay true to your values. Sometimes, this means starting with a smaller role or a position that allows for gradual growth. Over time, you can shape your career to better reflect what you care about most. If you need to, seek the support of mentors, job coaches, or career counselors to help you stay on track.
The Impact of Aligning Values with Work
When you align your values with your job search, the results are often life-changing. Janet’s work with individuals in child welfare, disability services, and job coaching has shown her the tremendous impact that this alignment can have. She has seen firsthand how people can thrive in careers that support their values, gaining confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose.
“Aligning your work with your values brings a sense of fulfillment that makes even the toughest days easier,” says Janet. “When you wake up excited about your work because it aligns with who you are, that’s when you know you’re on the right path.”
Conclusion
Incorporating your core values into your job search is essential for a fulfilling career. Janet Holman Gillin’s insights emphasize the importance of self-discovery, identifying your core values, and aligning them with your career goals. By following practical steps and reflecting regularly, you can ensure that your job not only supports your financial needs but also fulfills your deeper sense of purpose. When your work aligns with what you value most, you’ll experience greater success, satisfaction, and a true sense of accomplishment.
Mathew Despins is a marketing specialist based in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with a number of global brands.