Build a Career on Your Own Terms: Strategies for Career Fulfillment

As you progress in your career, it's important to know what success looks like to you. But keep in mind that career success can mean different things to different people. Some may want to climb the corporate ladder and reach a top position, while others may value a good work-life balance and personal fulfillment more. And you don’t want to spend your life building someone else’s career

So, how do you determine what career success means to you? Here are a few tips to get started:

1. Find the people who inspire you. Who are the people you look up to in your field or industry? How do their careers and work inspire you? Make a list.

2. Decide what's important. What's most important to you in your career and personal life? Take into account factors like finances, family, creativity, and work-life balance.

3. Take a look at your current path. Is your current career aligned with your priorities? If not, it may be time to consider a change.

4. Look for new opportunities. If you're not satisfied with your current position, it may be worth exploring other options that align more closely with your values and goals.

5. Consider working with a career coach. A coach can help you define your career success and set goals to achieve it. (Shameless plug. Learn more here about how I can help you.)

It's also important to understand the difference between career accomplishment and career success.

Career accomplishments are goals or markers of progress, while career success encompasses happiness and fulfillment in both your personal and professional life. This distinction is important because achieving certain career accomplishments, like a promotion or a raise, doesn't necessarily mean you are experiencing career success.

Career success has typically been defined by power and money, but this is changing as more women enter the workforce and redefine what success means to them. For many women, career success includes feeling fulfilled and valued at work, as well as having the opportunity to advance and make an impact. But don't be fooled, it also involves financial stability that allows for choices in their personal lives and the ability to maintain good health and professional relationships.

In today's rapidly changing job market, it's important to stay flexible and open to new opportunities. This may mean taking on new challenges or considering a career change if your current path isn't aligning with your goals. Don't be afraid to take risks and pursue what truly matters to you. With the right mindset and a clear definition of career success, you can create the fulfilling and successful career you deserve.

In addition to the tips listed above, here are a few more strategies you can use to define and achieve your career success:

1. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This will help you to focus on what you want to achieve and give you a roadmap for getting there.
2. Build a strong network of supportive colleagues and mentors. Surround yourself with people who can offer guidance, advice, and encouragement as you pursue your goals.
3. Learn new skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends. This will help you to stay competitive and open up new opportunities for advancement.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Whether it's a promotion, a raise, or a new assignment, don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and your career goals.
5. Seek out opportunities for growth and development. Look for ways to challenge yourself and learn new things, whether it's through training programs, workshops, or taking on new responsibilities at work.

Remember, career success is subjective and what it means to you may be different from what it means to others.

📌Whatever you do, Don't Settle!📌

Alicia Perkins is a former Recruiting & HR leader who is now helping professionals take control of their careers & land careers they love. Alicia has helped over 2k professionals gain career clarity, regain their voice & go after what they deserve unapologetically.