Why There is No Such Thing as the “Perfect” Job

Have you ever had that moment of sitting down and wondering whether you are on the right career path?

Perhaps you feel that you have outgrown your work environment or industry, or that your skills and interests would be of better use somewhere else. The workplace is rapidly evolving, as technological advancements and needs continue to change. This had led to the disruption of traditional systems and processes in place, leading to the creation of new jobs and new career opportunities you may not have considered before. With all that’s changing, it can be overwhelming to keep up. But don’t worry, because we have good news for you. The perfect job doesn’t ultimately depend on what’s out there. It depends on what’s in you. Once you figure that part out, there are tools available to help you easily find the right job for you.

Each job has its own pros and cons, and ultimately, the ideal job is all about finding a role that allows you to merge your passion and purpose with your work, while still addressing your needs at the moment.

Finding a job that allows you to align your passion and purpose can allow you to reach greater heights in your career, offer better job happiness and satisfaction, and improve your outlook and disposition in life.

Wherever you are in your career right now–whether you are a fresh graduate beginning to figure your direction or a mid-level executive looking to change gears in a different industry— finding the perfect job is not a simple task. It requires some serious planning and thought–but once it pays off, this can reward you with personal growth.

Ready to find the career path for you? Here are tips on how to get started.

1. Ask yourself where you are now in your life stage.

Your personal and professional needs may depend on where you are now in your life stage. Priorities may look different for a young, fresh graduate as opposed to a middle-aged employee with a family to support. Start from there and ask yourself: “In what ways does my current job or standing no longer serve my needs? How will this new career fulfill my expectations when it comes to my work and my home life?”

2. Assess what qualities you are looking for in a job.

Determine what qualities you value in a job: does the salary grade matter to you? Is it important that you have a work-life balance? Do you value the ability to create and switch things up versus a routine?

Write down the job elements you value the most. While a high-paying job may be safe and comfortable, perhaps you value a role that carries a larger social impact, such as running a non-profit organisation or community work that requires being in the field. Also take into consideration the company culture: while a large company can provide prestige and stability, a small, intimate start-up team may help bring out your leadership skills more. Know which qualities you value the most in a job and field your options from there.

3. Assess your skills and how you would want them to work for you.

You may have picked up several skills along the way, moreso if you have been working for quite some time. Yet perhaps you may possess a skill that you are passionate about — and one that you would want to use in your next job, even if your previous experiences do not particularly match the industry you are eyeing. (Also read: Improve your resume: 5 tips to highlight your transferable skills)

Ask yourself, what skills do you do particularly well? Perhaps you are good at illustration and you have been trying to move to the creative scene for a while. This could even apply to soft skills — as a people person, you may thrive in a role that requires constant interaction and collaboration with other people.

4. Examine your career purpose — and how it will evolve.

Before making the leap, examine what purpose you would like to achieve in your career, and take into consideration how it will eventually evolve. In any industry, no job stays the same especially with growth and progress in mind. Take note of how your role and purpose can change in a few years from now, and how you are willing to adapt when the time comes.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to assessing the “perfect job” for you– in fact, what may seem like the perfect fit now may change later as you evolve and move to a different phase in life. What is important is that the job matters to you and answers who you are and where you are as a person today. And when tomorrow comes, the tools are there to help you take that next step. The same technology that is disrupting the way businesses work has also made it easier for you to find the right job match in a complex web of jobs and industries. New artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can help recommend jobs that match your profile or your job browsing history.

If you are currently exploring new opportunities for career growth, now is a good time to update your JobStreet profile and hunt for #JobsThatMatter. Reflect your interests and preferences such as your skills, interest, and preferred salary so the right hirers can find you. For more expert insights and helpful tips on growing your career, visit the Career Resources Hub.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

Discover Jobs That Matter. Visit JobStreet today.

About SEEK Asia

SEEK Asia, a combination of two leading brands JobStreet and JobsDB, is the leading job portal and Asia’s preferred destination for candidates and hirers. SEEK Asia’s presence span across 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. SEEK Asia is part of the Australian Securities Exchange-listed SEEK Limited Company, the world’s largest job portal by market capitalisation. SEEK Asia attracts over 400 million visits a year.

About SEEK Limited

SEEK is a diverse group of companies, comprising a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK has a global presence (including Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, South-East Asia, Brazil and Mexico), with exposure to over 2.9 billion people and approximately 27 per cent of global GDP. SEEK makes a positive contribution to people’s lives on a global scale. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is a top 100 company and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Innovative Companies by Forbes.