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Writer's pictureKen Tan

Rediscover Your Career Direction: A Framework for Purpose-Driven Work

Finding purpose in work has been widely discussed during my 1:1 coaching session with mid-careerists and young talent.


But it is not always that easy to find the specific rationale. 


Take *Jane for example (using a pseudonym due to client confidentiality). 

She works as a Teacher in a well-known junior college for the past 12 years. She loves what she does, transforming the lives of students to be capable leaders of tomorrow. However, due to the overwhelming demands of parents and ongoing administrative tasks, she questions her role – why am I here


According to the CNA podcast with Mr. Hong Siu Ming, Senior Vice President and Head of People, Culture and Rewards, he mentions that purpose in work falls into any of the three brackets:

1) Career – is this what you want? 

2) Work – just a job to pay my bills 

3) Calling – The time has come for me to do what I do best (inner motivation)


For me, I discover my "calling".

Closing deals worldwide got me energised. On the other hand, empowering working professionals to thrive at work or land the job is internally satisfying. 

I know what I want. 

When I look back at the age of 50 years old, I know that I have done something purposeful at a personal level. 

Getting an individual realise what a career truly means in their own terms and taking small steps to hit impactful aspiration is simply invigorating. 

I get to do something that is delightfully fulfilling. 


The reality in workplaces

Going back to Jane. She is passionate in her role. She likes classroom teaching. But the additional scope of her work has expanded. 

Adding in the stressful environment and lack of sufficient rest, she ponders about the longevity of her work. 

How is it possible to manage enthusiasm in a pressure-cooker workplace and meet the expectations of her stakeholders? (parents, Principal) 

She is not alone.

From my coaching cases in the past 3 years, I have seen working professionals regularly self-reflecting their work journey - "I am feeling jaded -- why is my role functional and not driven by a meaning"? 

On the upside, this seems like positive signs to me. It shows that people are intentionally evaluating their purpose in work. 


Regular tasks and I work for a reason

Not wrong if someone comes up to me saying – “I need a job to put food for my family.” Each of us has our personal commitment in life. 

Imagine if the basic needs are met (Maslow Hierarchy of Needs). 

Then, I suppose it’s time to think beyond your day-to-day job. 

Does it give joy, hitting milestones that evoke a sense of achievement? (what is it that you want to do?) 

I have a client who is tasked to maintain the database of a list of participants. Her job is to oversee the registration process. 

I listen intently and unravel her thoughts. 

Eventually, the client figures out that she is paid to do things that are operational. How will this even add up to a grand scheme of things? 

She admits that her scope of work is mundane with little meaning. 

Her underlying passion is something greater. 

She wants to be known as a responsible caregiver to people. Henceforth, her next step is to pursue Nursing as a rewarding career.  As such, she decides to pursue a "Diploma in Nursing" course. 

So, if I look at purpose in work and marry the advice of HR leaders, I think it is important to have a clear definition of 3 things:


Goal: is it your career, work as a job or calling in life? 

1) What do you stand for? (identity)

2) What do you hope to achieve? (mission)

3) What do you enjoy doing and truly good at it? (abilities

The sweet spot lies in the mix of these areas



Ken is a Certified Career Practitioner, helping people find employment successes. He specialises in addressing career issues and workplace challenges - e.g., burnout, job mismatch and a lack of fulfilment.


AT a corporate level, he helps HR professionals in organisations develop talent development best practices using evidence-based career management models.


If you would like to chat with Ken, reach out to ken@bluesky.net.au

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