Connecting with the values that could shape your ideal career

Whether it’s running your own business, being part of a busy team or furthering a cause you care about, careers can be a source of meaning and joy. But if your work doesn’t feel aligned with what matters to you in life, you might find yourself wondering if something needs to change.

Perhaps you have a sense of what you want from your career but feel unsure about your next steps. Or you could feel a bit lost and confused about where to begin. This is where getting in touch with your career values can help. ‘Values are principles or standards you deem to be of the utmost importance,’ says Hannah Salton, a career coach and author from London.

‘Career values are the personal values that are most important to you in a work or professional context. People tend to spend a lot of their lives at work. It makes sense that they would want their careers to align with their personal values in order to feel connected to their work.’

Consider your (and your employer’s) values Whether you work a set 9-5pattern, shifts, are self-employed or in a voluntary role – it can be frustrating if your position isn’t in tune with your priorities. ‘If a particular industry or employer’s values do not align with your own, you could find yourself becoming frustrated and disillusioned with your career and lose the motivation to maintain high standards of performance over time,’ says Hannah.