Career vs. Calling: How to Align Your Work with Your Core Values
At some point in our professional lives, we all find ourselves pausing to ask: Am I doing the work I’m meant to do? It’s a question that can stir up a lot of emotions—especially for those of us in mid-career, with years of experience but a deep sense that something is missing. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in a job that pays the bills but doesn’t fill your heart, or you’ve climbed the corporate ladder only to discover you’re at the top of the wrong building.
This is where the distinction between a career and a calling becomes essential to understand. They’re not necessarily the same thing, and discovering the difference can be the key to finding work that truly aligns with your core values and gives you the sense of purpose you’ve been craving.
What’s the Difference Between a Career and a Calling?
A career is often defined by external measures of success. It’s about progression, achieving certain goals, and hitting milestones that others have defined for you. Promotions, raises, titles—they all represent markers of a career well-built, but they may not reflect the deeper, more personal fulfillment we seek in our work.
On the other hand, a calling is something deeply personal. It’s the work you feel drawn to do, not because of the paycheck or prestige, but because it connects with your authentic self. It aligns with your values, your passions, and the impact you want to make in the world. A calling transcends the traditional definitions of success and speaks to who you are at your core.
Why Aligning Work with Core Values Matters
If you’re a mid-career professional, chances are you’ve already tasted the fruits of a “successful” career. But how do you feel? Fulfilled, energized, and inspired? Or drained, restless, and yearning for something more? That “something more” is often an alignment with your core values—those deeply held beliefs that define what matters most to you.
When your work reflects your values, it becomes more than just a means to an end. It becomes an extension of who you are, a reflection of the impact you want to have on the world. It’s the difference between dragging yourself out of bed in the morning and leaping into the day with purpose.
Signs You’re in a Career, Not a Calling
So how do you know if you’re in a career that doesn’t quite match your calling? Here are a few tell-tale signs:
You’re Disconnected from Your Work – You may feel like your job is simply a series of tasks to get through, without a deeper sense of purpose or meaning behind them.
You Feel Exhausted More Than Energized – While every job has its challenges, when you’re doing work aligned with your calling, you’re more likely to feel inspired and motivated, even when it’s hard.
You’re Constantly Daydreaming About ‘What Ifs’ – Do you find yourself fantasizing about doing something completely different, something that lights you up inside? That’s your calling trying to speak to you.
Success Feels Empty – Even when you achieve big career milestones, they don’t give you the satisfaction you thought they would. Something still feels “off.”
How to Align Your Career with Your Calling
If any of those signs resonated with you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many professionals reach a point where they need to reassess what truly matters. The good news is that it’s never too late to start aligning your career with your calling. Here’s how to begin:
1. Identify Your Core Values
Start by getting crystal clear on your values. What drives you? What do you stand for? Maybe you value creativity, integrity, service, or freedom. Once you know your values, it’s easier to see where your current work aligns—or doesn’t. Reflect on past moments in your career when you felt the most fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you helping? What values were at play?
2. Listen to Your Intuition
Your inner voice is powerful. If you feel a tug toward a different kind of work or a different way of contributing, don’t dismiss it as impractical. That intuition is often the key to discovering your true calling. Spend some time journaling, meditating, or simply reflecting on what your intuition is trying to tell you about your next steps.
3. Explore Possibilities Without Pressure
Transitioning from a career to a calling doesn’t mean you need to quit your job tomorrow. Start by exploring new opportunities and ideas in a way that feels comfortable. You might begin volunteering in a field that interests you or taking on passion projects outside of work. These small steps can help you test the waters and gain clarity on what kind of work would fulfill you.
4. Be Willing to Evolve
Your calling isn’t set in stone. It can evolve as you grow, change, and learn more about yourself. Give yourself permission to pivot and redefine your professional path. The most important thing is to remain open to what excites and inspires you, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.
Living Your Calling: The Long-Term Reward
When your work aligns with your calling, you’ll find a deeper sense of purpose in everything you do. Instead of viewing work as a separate compartment of your life, it becomes a natural extension of who you are. You’ll experience more energy, more fulfillment, and more joy as you contribute to the world in a way that feels right for you.
Remember, your calling is about more than just your job. It’s about finding the intersection of your passions, your talents, and the difference you want to make in the world. When you connect with that, you’re no longer just working—you’re thriving.
If you’re ready to start aligning your career with your true self, I’d love to help you discover your path. Click here to schedule a free consultation call to learn more about how we can work together to uncover what lights you up inside and how to make that your daily reality.