You don’t have to get all the ingredients of a fulfilling career from your job.
It’s possible to find a job that pays the bills and excel in a side project; or to find
a sense of meaning through philanthropy and volunteering; or to build great
relationships outside of work. Einstein had his most productive year in 1905, while working as a clerk at a patent office.
So what does a fulfilling career looks like to me?
- Work I am good at.
- Work that helps others.
- Engaging work that lets me enter a state of flow (freedom, variety,
clear tasks, feedback). - Supportive colleagues.
- No major negatives like long hours or unfair pay.
- Work that fits your personal life.