Are You in the Right Career... or Just Paying the Bills?
Have you ever sat at your desk, staring at your screen (or customers, or students, or that never-ending spreadsheet from HR) and thought: Is this really it?
Maybe you once had big dreams of becoming a world-renowned chef, a bestselling author, or a professional dog whisperer—but somehow, you ended up here, replying to emails about budget reports or explaining, for the hundredth time, that “per my last email” does in fact mean read what I already sent you.
Are You Where You Want to Be?
If you answered yes, congrats! You’re living the dream (or at least something close to it). But if you answered no, don’t worry—most people feel stuck at some point. The real question is: why are you not where you want to be?
Are you in a career you fell into by accident and never left?
Did responsibilities (bills, kids, the need for health insurance) keep you from pursuing what you really love?
Do you even know what you actually want to do?
(If you don’t, don’t panic. You don’t have to have it all figured out this second. Even Oprah had a few career shifts before becoming Oprah.)
Your Career & Your Health: More Connected Than You Think
We talk a lot about healthy living in terms of diet, exercise, and stress management, but here’s the truth—your job plays a huge role in your overall well-being.
A career that drains you emotionally, mentally, and even physically can lead to:
🚨 Chronic stress (hello, burnout)
🚨 Anxiety and depression
🚨 Poor sleep (because who isn’t waking up at 3 AM thinking about work?)
🚨 Unhealthy eating habits (stress-snacking, anyone?)
🚨 Lack of energy to do things you actually enjoy
On the flip side, a career that excites, inspires, and fulfills you can:
✨ Boost your mental health
✨ Give you a sense of purpose
✨ Improve your relationships (because no one wants to be around a miserable, stressed-out version of you)
✨ Help you stay active, engaged, and motivated in all areas of life
Reflection is Good—Action is Better
Thinking about what you want is a great first step, but at some point, you have to move from thinking to doing. If your current job isn't your dream job, what’s stopping you from taking steps to move in the right direction?
Hate your job but don’t know what you love? Start exploring different interests—take a class, read about industries that excite you, or talk to people who do love their work.
Know what you love but can’t quit your job? Start a side hustle, a hobby, or a passion project that lights you up.
Feel like you’re too old, too late, or too “stuck”? Reminder: Colonel Sanders didn’t start KFC until he was in his 60s. It’s never too late.
Your Career vs. Your Calling
Not every passion needs to become a full-time job. If your heart calls you to paint, dance, write, garden, or train therapy llamas (that’s a real thing), you don’t have to make it your career—you can still make it a priority.
Sometimes, the best balance is having a steady job that pays the bills while feeding your soul through side projects, hobbies, or volunteer work. Because at the end of the day, what matters most is that you feel fulfilled—whether that’s through your 9-to-5 or the creative work you do after hours.
So... What’s Next?
Ask yourself: What’s one step I can take today to bring me closer to what I really want? Maybe it’s updating your resume, signing up for a class, or simply carving out 30 minutes a week for your passion project. Whatever it is, take action—because no one’s going to build your dream career for you.
And if all else fails, remember: Even if you’re not living the dream yet, there’s always coffee, memes, and the occasional three-day weekend to keep you going. 😉
What’s one career move (big or small) you’re ready to make? Let me know in the comments! 👇🏽
