Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “Try not to become a person of success, but rather a person of value.”
For many Americans, that idea doesn’t often seem like a possibility. So many people seek out success in the form of a job that provides money, benefits, and stability. Unfortunately, that also has led to a lot of unhappy employees. In fact, a national survey in 2019 found that 85% of workers in the U.S. were unhappy with their jobs.
Even if you’re passionate about your job and the work you’re doing, you might feel as though there is something missing. You may not be following your inner calling or doing work that stimulates you on a spiritual level. If you have felt that inner ‘tugging’ to make a change, it’s never too late.
No matter your age, experience, or personal passions, finding a job that stimulates you spiritually is important. So, what can you do to start your search, overcome concerns, and find a career that speaks to your soul?
Embracing This Stage of Life
One of the reasons you might not feel spiritually fulfilled at your current job is that it could be distracting. Some people have a “fear of aging,” in which you think you might be contributing less to society, so you keep working. But the reality is, you will always have a job to do no matter your age. That doesn’t mean it has to be at your current place of work.
For example, if your current job has you feeling stressed or anxious, then you’re not able to fully tap into your spirituality. It’s important to find time for reflection and mindfulness each day. If working in your current position is causing feelings of worry or anxiety, you’re not giving yourself a chance to find that quiet inner voice. In that case, you may be better off switching to a quieter, slower-paced environment. Or, you may consider switching your careers to work from home.
Stay-at-home jobs have many benefits including more flexibility and less stress. Plus, certain home careers can give you the opportunity to express yourself and your passions. You might consider a career as a:
- Writer
- Artist
- Graphic designer
- Programmer
- Blogger
Jobs that aren’t as fast-paced or as stressful are no less important. You don’t have to worry about not contributing or “slowing down” somehow. What’s most important is feeling a sense of fulfillment about what you’re doing, rather than trying to reach a certain level of monetary success.
Determining What Matters to You
One way to find a job that stimulates you spiritually is to determine what really matters to you. Job hopping from place to place until you find something that fits is not only stressful, but it can also lead to unhappiness. Before you look for a job that will help you to find happiness, you have to determine what that looks like. Ask yourself some of the following questions:
- What makes you happy?
- What are your values?
- What kind of people do you want to work with?
With that in mind, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when searching for a new career, or to try something that challenges you. Complacency is never good, especially as you age. Trying something that provides a challenge can help to light a fire inside that you may have been missing for years, inspiring you in other areas of life, too.
Overcoming Common Obstacles
No matter your age, there are some common obstacles and pitfalls that anyone can experience when looking for a new job. Unfortunately, when you get older, many of those “pitfalls” can arise due to your own negative thoughts and concerns.
These mental roadblocks can keep you from finding the job you truly want. You might think there are no good opportunities for people your age, or that you don’t need to undergo the stress of switching careers. You might even be worried about what you’ll have to “give up” if you switch careers. For example, if a new job offers private insurance, you likely won’t be eligible for government insurance like Medicare, even if those programs offer better health coverage.
There are even more “practical” obstacles, including your resume. If you’ve been in the same career for a long time, you might think you don’t have the skills or experience to try something new. Adjust your resume to be concise. Share how the skills you have could be used in a different career path. If you need help, getting a professional resume writer to create something for you might give you the extra “edge” you need to land a new job.
On paper, it might seem like there are a thousand little reasons not to make a career change later in life. But, you have to listen to that internal voice. If you’re not satisfied or fulfilled in your current position and you’re being called to something else that sparks your passion, walking toward that will help to stimulate you spiritually. As a result, you’ll experience less stress, more fulfillment, and much more peace with what you’re doing for a living.