What are personal values?
We all have things that matter to us, even if we don't always stop to think about them. These are our personal values. They influence the choices we make, how we spend our time, and what helps us feel fulfilled in both our personal lives and our careers.
Everyone’s values are different. For one person, creativity or freedom might be most important, while for someone else, it could be security, kindness, or personal growth. Our personal values help guide the decisions we make, sometimes consciously and sometimes without us even realising. They can influence our careers, relationships and personal goals.
If you’re unsure of what your values are, taking time to reflect can help. Identifying your core values can help you to explore what matters most to you, how this already influences you, and how you might shape your life and career.
What is purpose-led work?
Purpose-led work means finding a sense of meaning in what you do. It doesn’t mean you need to find your dream job, or have a complete career change. Instead, it’s about ensuring your work reflects who you are, and supports the life you want to build, rather than being defined solely by salary, job title or status.
Many of us discover purpose in different ways. You might find a sense of purpose from helping others, creating something new, solving problems, or having the freedom to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Purpose vs passion: what’s the difference?
Sometimes, the words purpose and passion are used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing. Passion is something you enjoy or feel excited about. You might be passionate about a hobby, a skill, or an interest that motivates you.
Purpose looks different for everyone. You might find meaning through helping others, creating something new, solving problems or having the freedom to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Can purpose change over time?
Your purpose can change over time. What feels meaningful at one stage of your life might change as your experiences, priorities, and circumstances change, too. Starting a family, changing careers, developing new interests or overcoming challenges can all reshape what feels meaningful to you.
Rather than searching for one single lifelong purpose, it can be helpful to see purpose as something that grows and changes with you.
Why do values and a sense of purpose matter in your career?
Our careers are where we spend a large part of our lives. It’s understandable that many of us want to do work that feels purposeful and meaningful. When your work reflects what matters to you, it can be easier to feel motivated, engaged and satisfied, even when things are more challenging. If your role doesn’t align with your values or purpose, you might feel disconnected or unfulfilled.
By exploring our values and understanding them in more depth, we can begin to build awareness around how they align to our true selves and how authentically we are living our lives
- Catherine Crawley, Transformational Life Coach, AMAC, Understanding your values can be a catalyst for positive change
Understanding your values doesn’t mean you’ll know what you want to do with your career. However, it can give you a stronger foundation. This can help you make decisions that feel right for you. It can also help you recognise when something might need to change.
Signs your work may not align with your values
Sometimes, it isn't immediately obvious that your work no longer reflects what's important to you. Instead, you might notice small feelings of dissatisfaction building over time. If these feelings persist, they could be a sign that your work and your values are no longer aligned.
You may notice that:
- You often feel drained or disconnected from your work
- Your role no longer reflects what's important to you
- You're motivated mainly by external rewards, rather than finding your work enjoyable or meaningful
- You struggle to see the impact of your work
- You often feel like you're simply going through the motions
- You regularly imagine doing something different
- You often question whether your work has meaning
- Your definition of success has changed, but your career hasn't.
While these experiences don't necessarily mean you need to change careers, they may be worth considering if they continue over time.
How do I find purpose at work?
Finding purpose at work doesn't always mean changing careers. Sometimes it begins with reflecting on what's important to you and whether your current role supports those priorities. Purpose isn't something you have to find overnight – it's something you can continue exploring as your career develops.
How a life coach can support you in finding purpose at work
If you're feeling unsure about your career or questioning what you want from work, a life coach can offer a supportive space to reflect. Rather than telling you what to do, they can help you understand what's important to you, explore what motivates you, and think about what you want from your career.
Purpose is ultimately about how we choose to contribute to the world; it is linked to the value we want to add or how we want to give. It’s the mark we intentionally choose to leave through the actions we take during our life.
- Coach Rebecca Cockayne, BA. (Oxon), MSc, What is purpose and how do I build it?
Working with a life coach can help you reflect on your strengths, values and goals. By asking thoughtful questions and encouraging self-reflection, they can help you build confidence, make decisions that feel right for you, and take steps towards work that feels more meaningful. Every coaching journey is different. Sessions are designed to help you reflect, explore your options, and move forward at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
Can a life coach help me find more meaningful work?
A life coach can help you to explore what’s important to you. Using a collaborative approach, they can support you in identifying what you want from your career, and what changes you’d like to make.
How do I know if my work aligns with my values?
Work that aligns with your values often feels rewarding and supports what's important to you. If you regularly feel disconnected, unfulfilled or conflicted about your work, it may be worth reflecting on whether your role still reflects your priorities.
Can you have purpose without loving your job?
Purpose doesn't mean enjoying every aspect of your job. You can find purpose through the impact of your work, the people you help, or how your role supports the life you want to build, even if some days are challenging.
What if I don't know what my purpose is?
Many people don’t know their purpose, or find that it changes over time. Taking time to reflect on your values, interests, and goals can help you to better understand what feels meaningful to you.
Finding a life coach
You don't have to have everything figured out before speaking to a life coach. Whether you're questioning your career, looking for more purpose at work, or simply want to understand yourself better, a life coach can support you as you explore what matters most. Use our advanced search to find a life coach who feels like the right fit for you.
