Meaningful Career Lessons From Pope Francis

Some people are unemployed for so long, they take almost any job that comes along, leaving them unfulfilled and unhappy with their professional lives. If you want to avoid this feeling, search for meaningful work that meshes with your core values. Carrying out this type of job search is not easy, but it is well worth the effort. If you decide to look for meaningful work, take your cues from Pope Francis.

Pope Francis felt a call to serve the Catholic Church and its parishioners, and to give his life a true purpose. If your current job isn't as fulfilling as you hoped it would be, try looking for jobs that have a service component. You don't have to take a vow of poverty or give up your career ambitions, but you should try to find a job that has some meaning outside earning money and working your way up the career ladder. If you're a graphic designer, for example, a nonprofit organization could greatly benefit from your design skills.

Although nonprofits typically offer opportunities to do meaningful work, you don't have to work for a philanthropic or charitable organization to do something fulfilling. Technical writers, accountants, IT professionals and marketing experts can all find meaningful work in a variety of places. You just need to be more careful about how you conduct your job search. Make sure your personal values mesh well with the corporate culture of the employer you eventually choose.

If you are in search of meaningful work, think about how your talents can help other people. A skilled copywriter can raise a lot of money for a charitable organization. The right accountant or finance manager can prevent layoffs or company closures by changing an organization's financial policies. Experienced marketing personnel can turn a struggling business into an overnight success. Before you start looking for a job, take time to write down a comprehensive list of your skills and knowledge. Look for job postings related to the items on your list.

It's difficult to find meaningful work if you don't know what you value. If you are ready for a career change, think about your personal values and how they fit into your professional life. Some people don't mind working 70 hours per week, while others value work-life balance and want to spend time with their children or aging parents. Once you understand your personal values, look for jobs to match. Avoid accepting any job that conflicts with your values, especially jobs that go against your ethical philosophy or religious beliefs.

Earning more money is nice, but it doesn't necessarily make your job more fulfilling. If your current job doesn't mesh with your personal values, or you feel your talents are being wasted, start searching for meaningful work that can improve the lives of others.

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