The Purpose of Pursuit & Why You Shouldn’t Be Seeking It - My Career Story
The Purpose of Pursuit & Why You Shouldn’t Be Seeking It - My Career Story
I've always wanted a job that would leave me fulfilled. Life shows it’s not always easy, though. Read on to check how my career evolved until I found the job that resonates with me.
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert
I've always been the type to turn small talk into deep discussions. This quest for meaning also influenced my career choices. Unfortunately, I haven’t always felt fulfilled in those roles.
Do you know that feeling, too?
Seeking purpose throughout professional endeavors can be an endless process. But it goes more smoothly as you shift your approach. Let me share my story on how I stopped searching for that ideal job.
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How My School Essays Landed Me My First Copywriting Assignments
I’m a writer. I have a deeply cherished memory of sitting beside a desk lamp, writing essays for my homework as a child. I often left them until the eleventh hour because I adored the ambience of writing by lamplight.
I also recall positive notes on my school papers and the teacher commending my work in front of the class. This was likely when my passion for writing began to bloom.
Years passed, and I had to choose studies. As a 17-year-old, I was told it would determine my future. As you may imagine, I had no idea what to do with my young life at that age.
I asked myself what I was good at.
The answer was clear. I loved writing, and I was determined to pursue it further. That’s where I started philological studies, which seemed closest to what I wanted to do. Meanwhile, I also engaged in internship roles; I practiced as a cultural reviewer and a radio news writer for a short time, which was fun.
For my Master’s, I chose Image Communication studies, which were quite new then. Those 2 years exposed me to many new writing contexts, including marketing, PR, branding, and more. I was pretty excited about how my future began to shape.
Soon, with graduation behind me and the need for my first full-time role, I was happy to come across a copywriter opening and successfully went through the recruiting process. This experience helped me hone my writing skills, but it also showed me the less favorable aspect of marketing. At times, I found myself dissatisfied with the products I had to promote.
My next gig was as a PR & Marketing Specialist. Consciously or not, I chose a job that introduced more dynamics to my daily routine. While writing remained an integral component, I relished indulging myself in the broader spectrum of marketing and PR endeavors.
Working with a big brand gave me valuable lessons on brand presence and the significance of cultivating a positive public image over the long term. This job indeed involved me. The dynamics kept me engaged, and I ended each day feeling I did a lot.
But was it a sense of fulfillment…?
How I Left Everything And Didn’t Go Anywhere
Plot twist. I left that job right at the start of the pandemic. I wanted to take a break and reconsider my career path. I was even ready to go on a big journey, Eat Pray Love style.
However, travel restrictions were implemented shortly afterward, forcing me to set aside that idea. And I had to look for another job again…
I didn’t go anywhere. Nor did I find the job I craved.
Hoping to stumble upon my dream profession during a time of great uncertainty was… Well, magical thinking. Finally, I refined my freelance writer's CV and returned to copywriting gigs.
Let me stop here. Why am I even writing about this all?
See, I believe many people seek purpose in their lives, professionally and privately. It gives them a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction and guides them in their life journey.
I’m one of them, too.
But the key lesson I aim to convey today is that the most valuable experiences (and clearly work experiences, too) often come about unexpectedly. It’s not always the determination that guarantees you’ll find that one job with purpose. My story proves that sometimes, uncontrollable circumstances shape your journey.
So what to do instead of forcing that one direction? I think embracing various opportunities and allowing things to unfold naturally is just better.
Meaning…
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If You Can’t Find Your Job Purpose, Let It Find You
At some point, I started to doubt writing. When doing some copywriting tasks, I sometimes felt like an unwelcome persuader, speaking when no one was genuinely interested. I wondered if I would ever find a writing job that held real meaning for me.
But one day…
I stumbled upon a job listing seeking a writer for career-related topics. Their main products included a resume builder and a cover letter builder aimed at helping individuals streamline their job applications. They also emphasized the need to provide career advice and expert guides to assist people in their job search.
I saw this as a great opportunity to merge my writing skills and marketing experience to help people build their personal brands. Additionally, I was confident that I could guide them on their career paths, encouraging patience, focusing on their strengths, and understanding that fulfillment takes time to achieve.
I applied, went through the recruitment process (which wasn’t the easiest, honestly!), and landed that job. Shortly after, I sat in my cozy home office, crafting articles dedicated to jobseekers pursuing diverse professions.
Can I call myself a career expert?
In my career journey, I've tried various roles and job styles, written thousands of words, and introduced hundreds of products and services. I feel confident in helping people promote themselves using both marketing smarts and language skills.
Today, as an experienced resume and cover letter writer and a career expert, I am excited to share my expertise with those navigating the often confusing and stressful job search processes. With my insider knowledge of recruitment logistics, I offer tools and tips to help make this journey easier and more enjoyable.
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Thanks for reading this article spanning a couple of years of my professional journey. If you have any questions regarding my experience or professional development in general, please do so in the comments section below!
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Marta Bongilaj is a career expert and a Certified Professional Résumé Writer. She's a member of the National Career Development Association and the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. She has a vast marketing background, which helps her give relevant advice on bringing out candidates’ strongest points and making their resumes a compelling read. In her articles, she underlines the importance of showcasing the most prominent skills, experiences, and qualifications in a resume to stand out in increasingly competitive job markets. Marta provides on-point tips on how to promote one’s candidature efficaciously at every career stage. Holding a philology degree, she believes that concise, persuasive language lies at the core of a successful resume. If you seek advice on marketing yourself to employers, no matter your recruitment stage, you’ve come to the right place.