“Follow your passion,” is familiar career advice that enjoys a fair amount of debate but definitely holds some merit. But what if passion alone isn’t enough? What if knowing where you fit into that passion is the real game-changer, the most effective dream job formula?
Many of us start our careers with vague excitement about what we love, without fully considering how our skills, values, and purpose actually align with a role. Even more of us miss thinking through the daily reality — commutes, meetings, colleagues, culture and those specific tasks that fill our days.
The truth? Finding long-term career fulfillment requires much more than chasing the next shiny opportunity. It requires a deep understanding of your why — and how it connects with the work that best suits you.
Here are three powerful reasons why identifying your “why” is the key to crafting a career that not only lights you up but keeps you engaged and evolving.
1. The Purpose Myth: Your Passion Is Only Part Of The Dream Job Formula
"Follow your passion and success will follow." We’ve heard it a million times, but it’s not the whole story. Passion is important, but knowing how it fits into your life, goals and strengths is critical. It’s easy to think that as long as you find something you’re passionate about — whether it’s theater, animals or technology — that you’ll automatically find career satisfaction. Oh, were it that simple!
Take this as an example: You might have a passion for theater, but do you know how you want to be part of it? Do you want to act, direct, manage the finances or raise funds for a theater? Or do you simply want to be a frequent audience member? What do each of those paths look like in reality? Consider how your role in that passion fits your talents, long-term goals and everyday life. It’s not about just pursuing excitement; it’s about finding your place within it.
Research Insight: Career expert Cal Newport explores the "passion trap" in his book So Good They Can’t Ignore You, emphasizing that passion often follows the mastery of skills that align with who you are and how you can contribute. Purpose needs to align with actionable steps that match your strengths and aspirations.
2. Your Why: The Compass That Guides You Through The Noise
Once you understand your “why,” it becomes a career compass. It doesn’t just point you toward any opportunity — it steers you toward those that fit your values, interests and talents. This clarity allows you to say no to the roles that won’t serve you, so you can say yes to the ones that will push you toward your bigger goals. Your why ensures you’re not just working for a paycheck, but contributing to something that resonates with your core values.
Example: Perhaps you’re like me and you love animals (I mean, not sure how you can’t love animals, as they’re the most amazing creatures on earth who deserve safe and beautiful lives!). But, how do you want to work with them? Adopting pets, fostering, working for an animal welfare agency, running a shelter or advocating for animal rights all align with that passion, but each requires a different set of skills and lifestyle commitments.
It’s also crucial to find an organization with a work culture that:
Respects all employees regardless of where a position falls on the org chart.
Genuinely values input and new ideas and operates with a can-do attitude, not one stuck in the destructive “We tried that and it didn't work” mode.
Lives the values it professes.
Has a warmth, sense of camaraderie and personality you can connect with.
Clarity on the role that’s the best match for you within your passion helps you avoid taking on a job that feels right on the surface, but isn’t aligned with your unique talents and values.
Research Insight: According to a Harvard Business Review study, professionals with a clear sense of “why” were 60% more likely to feel engaged at work and maintain career resilience during times of stress or setback.
3. Purpose Isn’t Fixed: Let It Evolve With You
Here’s the truth: Your dream job will evolve as you do. Eight years ago, my dream job revolved around balancing university teaching and coaching. Today? My work focuses on writing books and guides to support coaching clients; helping college students, recent college grads and professionals land their dream jobs through personalized coaching strategies; and delivering presentations and workshops to universities and other organizations in support of dream job pursuit.
So, it’s pretty clear my passion for helping others thrive at work didn't change in any way, but how I wanted to accomplish that shifted. Your dream job will adapt as your personal and professional goals, interests and strengths evolve. And that’s not only okay — it’s necessary for sustained fulfillment.
Research Insight: A recent Gallup poll found that 53% of workers feel disengaged because their current roles no longer align with their personal goals. Letting your “why” evolve with you ensures that your career stays purposeful and energizing.
Final Takeaway: The Importance of Fit
If you’re ready to take action and gain clarity on your purpose, start by reflecting on your values, strengths and ideal workday. Where do these factors align with your passions? This exercise is crucial to unlocking the next step in your career journey. And if you need help, this is exactly the kind of clarity you gain via Quest Precision Coaching. Most people don’t need endless sessions — just a few to help you unlock the mindset shifts you need to land your dream role.
Ready to make your career aspirations a reality? If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level, it’s time to put your “why” into action! Let’s get you unstuck and on the right path to fulfilling work.
If you’re a recent college grad feeling stuck in your job search, Launch is your go-to diagnostic tool to help you pinpoint what’s holding you back and get you moving toward your dream role. Pre-order now for targeted insights designed to help you refine your approach. For personalized support, Precision Coaching offers one-on-one sessions that provide clarity and actionable steps to align your purpose with your career. Let’s make sure your next career move is both meaningful and successful!
Maria Katrien Angeleva, MA, MA
Certified Coach, Author & Trainer
Dubbed “Professor Dream Job,” by her students, Trie is a former COO and founder of Reimagine Monday. She specializes in helping individuals transform their careers and lives through mindful, strategic approaches. Trie developed and taught career success courses at Indiana University, building on her proven methodology, The Love Monday Method. Her latest release, Launch, designed to help new college grads get unstuck in their search and empower their new career, is now available for pre-order.
With two Master's degrees, a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University, six coaching certifications and a deep passion for guiding new graduates and professionals in their prime, Trie supports individuals in navigating their career paths with clarity and confidence, and is dedicated to helping YOU turn your dream job into a reality.
Connect with Trie at trie@reimaginemonday.com.
