A-Z guide to finding work you love - letter Y

Welcome back to the A to Z guide to finding work you love – where Y stands for Yardstick.

Of course, we’re not talking about measuring three-foot lengths here. In this context, yardstick refers to a standard by which you can evaluate ideas, choices, and even people as you navigate your career journey. And in this case, the most powerful yardstick you can use is inspirational people – those who genuinely love what they do.

1. Surround yourself with people who love their work

When you’re trying to find work you love, one of the most important things you can do is to actively seek out people who are enthusiastic and positive about their careers. These people act as real-life proof that satisfying, meaningful work exists. Their stories can inspire you, challenge your assumptions, and offer insight into what fulfilling work looks and feels like.

Their answers can reveal more than any job description or online review ever could. They help you see what’s possible, which is incredibly important if you're currently feeling stuck or uncertain. So ask yourself this: Who do I know that genuinely enjoys their job?
This is a question I often pose to clients. Your answer can tell you a lot about your current environment and mindset.

If you’re surrounded by people who are miserable in their work, it’s easy to internalise the idea that all jobs are inherently frustrating. But if you know even a few people who love what they do, you’ll start to believe that meaningful work is attainable – and worth pursuing.

2. Use industry insiders as your research yardstick

If you have a specific industry or field in mind, it’s essential to connect with people who actually work in it. Online research can only take you so far – real insights come from real conversations.

Don't just focus on the positives – understanding the downsides is equally important when evaluating whether a field or role is right for you. The more people you speak to, the more balanced your understanding will be.

If you don’t know anyone in your desired industry, don’t worry. Start by exploring your existing network. Reach out to friends, former colleagues, or acquaintances – and don’t be afraid to ask if they know someone who could help. Social media platforms like LinkedIn are also incredibly valuable for this kind of outreach. Even a single warm introduction can lead to an insightful conversation that helps shape your path forward.

3. If you’re feeling lost, start with exploration

You may be reading this and thinking, “That’s great, but I don’t even know what direction to explore.” That’s completely OK. It’s not uncommon to feel unsure about where to begin. In fact, that’s exactly why I created this A to Z guide – to help you take small, practical steps toward finding work that feels right for you.

If you’re still figuring out what kind of work would light you up, you might find it helpful to go back and revisit earlier articles in this series. They offer tools and frameworks for uncovering your interests, values, and strengths – the foundation for making informed and inspired career choices.

Remember, the journey to finding work you love is rarely a straight line. It’s a process of discovery. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, learn from those already doing the work you admire, and be curious enough to ask the right questions.

Your yardstick – the people and standards you measure your progress against – can be one of your greatest tools in this journey. Use it wisely.

Take a look at the video version of this post.