Today, many workers no longer want to work just to earn a salary, but want to do a job that has meaning . But what exactly is a job that has meaning? Which jobs should you turn to to never fall into brown-out? Here are some ideas to integrate very quickly into your professional project!
What is a meaningful job?
For several years, the search for meaning at work has been part of the prerogatives of future graduates and many people already engaged in working life. According to a survey by Unédic, while a majority of French people (58%) still choose a job primarily to meet their basic needs, there has been a clear increase in favor of a job where they feel fulfilled (51%).
For many, a meaningful job is a job where they feel useful to society and where their merit and work are recognized. This may be a job with an impact where they can act for the environment and/or for the good of society. For others, it is rather a more manual job like baker or cabinetmaker.
But professional fulfillment is a very subjective notion, because what may be meaningful to you may be depressing for another. There is no precise answer. Ultimately, a job that is meaningful is one that meets your needs and values . The one where you don’t risk a brown-out.
5 steps to finding a career that makes sense to you
Whether you are a student or an employee looking for a career change, here are some ideas that will help you find the career that matches your professional desires .
1 – Get to know yourself
To find a job that motivates you, you must first learn to know yourself. What are your motivations, your values, what are your needs? To do this, try the ikigai method. This Japanese word means “joy of living” in French. This method, widely used by professional coaches, consists of creating a diagram that integrates four notions:
- What you love to do in life.
- What you know how to do , that is to say your soft skills and your talents.
- What you get paid for , i.e. identifying your professional skills.
- What you think the world needs: the causes that motivate you , the situations that affect you, etc.
Your ikigai is where the circles intersect. The exercise helps you find what motivates you in life and what activities are fulfilling.
You also need to ask yourself about your values and priorities. What is most important to you: Making money? Being useful? Having social status? etc. There are no right or wrong answers here. Be as honest with yourself as possible!
2 – Identify impactful professions
Among the fields of activity that increasingly attract young graduates in search of meaning , the sector of ecological and solidarity transition is on the rise. ADEME estimates that one million jobs will be created in this sector by 2050.
Companies themselves have become aware of the importance of a CSR policy . Moreover, today the environmental and societal impact of a company is a major criterion for many young talents.
Also Read: How to find a job in design, especially when you are young?
Jobs such as CSR manager or sustainable development consultant are, for example, already highly sought after. All sectors are affected: tourism, real estate, finance, mobility, etc. You will be able to perfectly find your happiness in a company with an impact. Whatever the job!
3 – Take stock of your skills
You should already start to identify which job or sector of activity could correspond to your values. But to change direction, it is essential to take stock of your qualities and skills . Don’t hesitate to do a skills assessment . If you have acquired enough CPF rights (personal training account), it can fully finance this system. You can also call on a professional coach. You will benefit from personalized support that will allow you to define a suitable professional project , which corresponds to both your skills and your motivations.
4 – Test the job that attracts you
Don’t embark on a new career without a minimum of information :
- Meet those who have found meaning in their work.
- Connect with entrepreneurs who created their businesses to pursue their passion.
- Apply for internships at impact companies.
- Find out about the job market and the opportunities for your future career.
- Browse the job descriptions for the different professions.
- Finally, don’t hesitate to try out several professions, to participate in conferences or workshops.
5 – Find the right training
Now that you have identified the professional sector that will allow you to flourish, all you have to do is make your professional future a reality with training.
Here are some examples of impactful jobs and the training that will allow you to practice them:
- Purchasing and responsible sourcing manager: bac +5 diploma with a dual course in purchasing and CSR.
- Sustainable mobility advisor: master’s degree from an engineering or business school.
- Project manager in renewable energies (RE): engineer with a bac +5 degree with professional experience in RE.
To conclude, if you are already working, do not be afraid to change careers. There is financial assistance and schemes such as the professional transition project, the CPF or the Pro-A work-study promotion, which will allow you to retrain without impacting your budget.
