Love it or hate it, your job is a huge part of your life that plays a big part in defining who you are. Being happy in your career also contributes to your over all well-being. In fact, at Integrative Nutrition, we define career as one of the major pillars of Primary Food, which is anything that feeds you that doesn’t come on a plate. Other primary foods include fitness, relationships and spirituality. To be truly happy and healthy, you must be satisfied in all of these areas of your life.

Since you spend the majority of each week at work, career is a big category that deserves attention. If you aren’t happy in your job, it’s important to figure out why that is and what changes you can make to be happier. Here’s how:

1. Define what it is that you don’t like about your job. Is it the company you work for? The tasks that you do day in and day out? Or perhaps it’s the people that you work with that are making you unhappy. Whatever the reason, pinpoint exactly what it is so you can actively look for a way to change the situation.
2. Figure out what your dream job is. Now that you know what you want to change about your current situation, it’s time to find out what your ideal career would be. Sit down and make a list of all of the things that you are passionate about. This could include topics, hobbies or activities that you enjoy. Then, pull out 3 or 4 that seem like viable career options. If you are having trouble with this step, try talking to a career counselor or taking a personality test, like Myers Briggs to narrow down your options. Remember, this career change can be as little or as big as you want it to be! You could decide that you want to go back to school to pursue something totally new, or you could just change to a different department at the company you already work for.
3. Make a Plan. An important part of achieving any goal is figuring out how you are going to get to the final product. Make a list of all the steps that you need to take to get your dream job. This could be anything from signing up for classes, working on your resume, networking, blogging or setting up a workspace at home. A time line with mini goals along the way could help you reach your end goal and celebrate small victories along the way.
4. Practice Patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day and the same goes for your career. Don’t expect to be in your dream job as soon as you figure out your career path. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get to where you want to be. However, if you are pursuing a dream in a field that you love, chances are you will enjoy all the hard work! Keep going and don’t give up. 

What is your dream job and how do you plan on achieving it?