Finding Your Purpose: How to Align Your Career with Your Values (And Why It Matters)

In my last post, I shared my somewhat unconventional journey to becoming a Finance Leader. It was a story of hard work, drive, and not giving up on a dream. But what I didn't delve into as deeply was the why behind the drive. It wasn't just about titles or salaries; it was about something more meaningful. It was about finding purpose in my work and aligning my career with my core values.

Watching my parents rebuild after giving everything to help others, instilled in me a desire to provide for my family and to find a purpose in my life. Those early experiences shaped my values: hard work, perseverance, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. These values weren't just abstract concepts; they were the driving force behind my decisions, both personal and professional.

Admittedly, I lost sight of empathy for a long time.  When I started my career, I didn't necessarily think about aligning my work with my values in a conscious way. I was focused on survival, on providing for my family, on proving to myself that I could succeed. But as I progressed, I realized that true fulfillment came not just from achieving goals, but from feeling that my work had meaning.

For me, finance isn't just about numbers and spreadsheets. It's about empowering businesses to thrive, creating opportunities, and using my skills to make a real difference. The real rewards aren't performance reviews (though those are nice!), but the moments I see the impact of my work on others. It's the satisfaction of simplifying a colleague's workload or training a team to understand the financial implications of their decisions and seeing them succeed as a result. It's knowing that I've contributed to something bigger than myself.

Finding your purpose isn't always easy. It requires introspection, self-reflection, and a willingness to explore different paths. Here are a few tips that have helped me along the way:

• Identify your core values: What truly matters to you? What principles guide your decisions? Take some time to reflect on your experiences, both positive and negative, to pinpoint what truly matters.

• Explore your passions: What are you naturally drawn to? What activities make you feel energized and engaged? Your passions often point towards your purpose.

• Connect your values to your work: How can you integrate your values into your daily work? Look for opportunities to use your skills and talents to make a difference in ways that align with your values.

• Don't be afraid to change direction: If you realize that your current career path or organization doesn't align with your values, don't be afraid to make a change. It may seem daunting, but it's never too late to pursue a more fulfilling career or to find an organization that has the same values.

• Seek out mentors and role models: Talk to people whose work you admire and learn from their experiences. Mentors can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your career journey.

My career has been one of consistent growth, but my personal life has had its share of challenges. There were detours, obstacles, and moments of doubt. But by staying true to my values and focusing on finding purpose in my work, I've been able to build a successful career that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue aligning my work with my values, mentoring others, and making a positive impact. Because ultimately, success isn't just about what you achieve, but the difference you make. It's about living a life of purpose, where your work reflects your values and contributes to something meaningful. Your journey is unique. Embrace it, explore it, and never stop seeking your purpose.