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I have had the privilege of working with Millennials throughout my career and here’s what I have observed when it comes to deciding their next job. They hop on-board the next career bus that comes along hoping it will take them to their ultimate career destination; one filled with fulfilment and happiness. And if it doesn’t, they will jump on the next one.
Unfortunately, those who have worked long enough know that this is not the way. In order to find the job we love, we just can’t wait for it to knock at our doors – we have to take action.
But “what actions” is the common question I get alot. So, here’s a framework which I’ve been using to help young people discover their next career choice. I call it the 3 P’s
PASSION – What drives you? What do you truly believe in? What do you stand for?
I will not attempt to define what ‘passion’ is because there’s enough resource available online to help you process this. To me, passion is something which you truly believe in. What you stand for is going to be much bigger than you. And when you’re engaged in it, you lose all sense of time and self.
For example, you read about your passion subjects for fun during your spare time; sometimes over and over again. You deep dive into the backstory and history of it through watching online videos all night and even contributing to online forums. And you just can’t stop talking about it. Eventhough you’ve been labelled as being obsessive, you just don’t care and keep powering through.
I believe passion is important – it’s the fuel that will drive you. I read this quote somewhere before and it’s so true: “Find your passion and you’ll never have to work a day in your life again.”
But passion alone is not enough, which brings me to my next point.
PROFICIENCY – What are you really REALLY good at?
You need to start organizing your thoughts and make a list of your absolute core competencies. One practical way is to identify what people are constantly complimenting you about. I’m not talking about the “good job” and “well done” acknowledgements but the real specific positive feedback such as, “You make it look so easy!” or “I’ve known people who took years to master it but you just keep acing it in such a short time.“
You wonder why others just cannot get it but it comes so naturally to you. I’m not talking about superpowers but deep down, you simply know you’re just very good at it.
That said, you can have a deep passion for say, movies or travelling and even have the natural skills for it (writing screenplays, directing, planning the perfect holiday etc) but if it’s not self-sustainable, you have a very expensive hobby.
This brings me to the final P.
PROFITS – How can I make money?
Here’s where a lot of people will trip when they go out in search for their perfect job. Some people I’ve met are such a purist (or artist), they truly believe that passion alone will make them happy; “I don’t care if I don’t get paid much as long as I get to do what I love to do.” But believe me, when the funds dry out and the bills pile up, they will be in a more stressful position compared to when they first started out.
It’s not just about getting a fat remuneration package but instead, focus on how your passion and skills will solve the world’s problems. And when you’re able to add value to people’s lives, you’re going to be in demand (and get paid handsomely).
In short, you need to find a way to get compensated for doing what you love to do.
In conclusion, think of PASSION as the fuel, PROFICIENCY as the vehicle you will drive in and PROFITS as the sustainable income to fund your journey.
Successful and fulfilled people are the ones who are able to find the sweet spot where the 3 P’s intersect. It will take time to discover and it’s going to be a tough process. In fact, things don’t get easier; it gets harder as you embark on this journey. But you know what, obstacles are thrown at us to see if what we really want is worth fighting for.
I’m not saying this is a flawless method to find your perfect job but it’s a good place to begin. All the very best!
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