In today’s dynamic world, many of us are reevaluating what truly matters in our careers. In Singapore, where work is closely tied to personal identity, it’s common to focus on promotions, pay raises, or titles, sometimes without evaluating if they genuinely bring joy or fulfilment. But what if there was a way to harmonise purpose, passion, and paycheque?
That’s the heart of life-centred career planning — a holistic approach to career growth that aligns your professional life with your personal values, interests, and financial goals. It’s about creating a career that supports your livelihood and your sense of purpose and happiness.
For example, someone passionate about sustainability might pursue a career in the green economy, leveraging upskilling opportunities to gain relevant certifications. A working parent might prioritise roles that offer flexible hours to balance work and family commitments.
If you think that it’s time to align your personal and professional self, here’s how you can start integrating these three essential pillars into your career planning journey:
1. Find your purpose
Purpose is the compass that guides career decisions. It’s about understanding what gives your work meaning and how it impacts the people around you or the broader world. For many Singaporeans, purpose often relates to family, community, or contributing to societal goals like sustainability or innovation.
To uncover your purpose, ask yourself:
- What values are most important to me in my personal and professional life?
- How does my work contribute to the things I care deeply about?
- What legacy do I want to leave behind?
For example, if environmental sustainability is your driving force, you might explore roles in the green economy, which Singapore is heavily investing in. Alternatively, if empowering others inspires you, consider a career in teaching, coaching, or community work.
2. Pursue your passion
Passion is what keeps you excited to wake up every morning. The element of work sparks joy and makes you feel alive. While not every aspect of a job will be exciting, integrating passion into your career can improve motivation and overall job satisfaction.
Consider this:
- What types of tasks or projects make me lose track of time?
- Are there hobbies or personal interests I can bring into my work?
- What roles or industries have I always been curious about?
Passion doesn’t always require a complete career switch; it could simply mean seeking roles or projects that better align with your interests.
3. Balance your finances
While following purpose and passion is fulfilling, the reality of living in Singapore means paycheque considerations cannot be ignored. Housing, education, and healthcare costs are significant, and financial stability is key to peace of mind.
To strike a balance:
- Evaluate your financial needs and long-term goals. Are you saving for a home, supporting ageing parents, or preparing for retirement?
- Explore industries or roles that align with your purpose and passion while offering competitive pay. For instance, the tech and sustainability sectors are purpose-driven and financially rewarding.
Leverage government platforms like SkillsFuture to gain certifications or skills that open doors to higher-paying roles while aligning with your interests.
4. Tap on career resources
Platforms like MyCareersFuture offer tailored job recommendations based on your skills and interests. They also highlight roles in emerging industries, helping you stay aligned with market demand. The platform’s CareersFinder tool can help you assess your career journey by analysing your skills and preferences to offer tailored recommendations.
If you lack specific skillsets to align your passions and market demand, tap on SkillsFuture courses to gain certifications or expertise in areas, ensuring your career choices remain fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Looking for a new role? Explore over 100,000 jobs available on MyCareersFuture now!
5. Assess changes regularly
Career planning isn’t a one-time activity. Your priorities, interests, and financial needs will evolve. Life-centred career planning requires regular check-ins to ensure your work aligns with your goals and values.
Set aside time annually to reflect on:
- How fulfilled am I in my current role?
- Do my current responsibilities align with my long-term purpose?
- Am I building skills or experiences that keep me passionate and financially secure?
This regular self-assessment helps you stay on track, make informed decisions, and proactively adjust your career strategy to align with your personal and professional aspirations.
Try this light-hearted quiz and have a glance at your career health!
A career that feeds both your heart and wallet
Life-centred career planning shifts the focus from external markers of success to creating a career that resonates with your values, energises you, and sustains you financially. Take time to define what purpose, passion, and paycheque mean to you, using available resources to craft a fulfilling and meaningful career path. Whether you’re just starting, navigating a mid-career pivot, or planning for your later years, remember that it’s never too late to realign your path. Good luck!
