We all want a job that fits our authentic self. When we have a position like this, we are happier, more fulfilled and have a greater chance of success.

What I know to be true is that every woman has one or two top career priorities—work values that are essential to her professional fulfillment.

This month, I share four of the most common career priorities among professional women. Each week, I’ll highlight a specific priority and provide the definition.

As I describe each priority, decide for yourself which one most closely matches your preference. You may find you have two that are equally important. That’s fine, but do narrow it down to no more than two. Doing so will allow you to clarify your top professional priorities.

This week, I highlight the career priority known as “Mission.”

Mission

This is a desire to make a difference and “do good” for your community and the world as a whole. Women with this career priority are often drawn to public service careers in the nonprofit or government sector.

Clients often hire me because they’ve come to a point in their lives where they want their work to have meaning. They want to give back and devote themselves to a career that is personally meaningful.

For example, Candace, a client of mine from Seattle, had worked for her husband’s commercial construction company since she was 25. Upon her 40th birthday, she realized she wanted and needed something more. I guided her through my Discover Your Authentic Career Fit program, and she discovered she wanted to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Subsequently, she has completed her Social Work studies and is currently finishing a practicum assignment at a youth clinic.

Does this career priority ring true for you? Do you find yourself attracted to the value of mission? Or, is it not a top motivator for you?

I encourage you to think about it this week. Please remember, there is no right or wrong here. It’s simply about identifying which career priorities resonate with you.

Next week, I’ll highlight the priority known as “Freedom.”

Until next week, here’s to your continued success!

Maret

This entry was posted by Maret McCoy on May 7th, 2007 under Career with keywords .

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