Finding meaning in your next career chapter
What does “making a difference” mean to you?
At one of our WHM Job Seekers meet-ups at the end of last year, we shared why we do the work we do. What motivates and drives us? The answer is different for everyone. Maybe you’re motivated by becoming an expert in your field and being recognised for your work. Or perhaps you’re drawn to the freedom and flexibility of how you work, or simply enjoy the work itself - problem-solving, creativity, or making things happen. Or maybe you want to be a role model for your kids, or value (or need) financial independence.
Many of the mums I work with who are figuring out what they want to do next in their careers, want their work to feel important and meaningful - something that makes a difference. If a job is going to take them away from spending time with their kids, they want it to contribute in a positive way. I’m not talking about huge, world-changing acts - often it’s just a small, meaningful contribution to the world we live in.
‘Making a difference’ looks different for everyone. For me, it means supporting people through pivotal career transitions - helping them navigate those often messy, confusing, and challenging phases in life when change feels scary and uncertain. I love seeing them come out the other side clear, confident, and much more themselves.
Here are some questions to help you explore what “making a difference” means for you:
How will you know you’re making a difference? What will change, and how will you measure it?
Who do you want to make a difference for? Which parts of your environment, community, or society are you drawn to support?
Why? If you dig deeper, what really lights the fire under you - women’s rights, justice, equality, the climate, or something else?
What if? If you didn’t have to worry about money or responsibilities, where would you use your skills to make a difference?
If you’re ready to make a difference but struggling for a place to start, book a chat.
Cheering you on!
x Melanie