How to Turn Your Values into Career-Defining Decisions

As I sat down to think about what to write for this week’s Purpose and Profession newsletter, a memory came to mind. There was a time, years ago, when I struggled to define my values and understand how they shaped my career. I kept jumping from one job to another, searching for growth and satisfaction. Looking back, while things eventually worked out, I can see now that I wasn’t as intentional or strategic as I could have been.

Our careers sometimes often feel like a series of interconnected decisions. Some are seemingly small—like accepting a new project or switching teams—while others, such as changing industries or taking on leadership roles, are life-altering. Yet, the best decisions are those that align with our core values. They not only define our professional journey but also create a sense of fulfilment and purpose.

If someone were to ask you, right on the spot, "What are your values?" how would you respond? Think about it.

So let's dive in, how can you leverage your values when making important career decisions, the first thing is to...

Understand Your Core Values

Before you can make value-driven career decisions, you need to identify your core values. Values are the guiding principles that influence how you live and work. They could include integrity, innovation, family, creativity, impact, or continuous learning. Reflect on moments when you felt truly fulfilled, what values were at play?

Let's take a look at this example, Jane is a software engineer, she discovered her core value was “impact” after volunteering for a non-profit. She realised she was happiest when her work contributed to solving real-world problems. This insight led her to transition from developing consumer apps to working for a climate-tech company, where her skills align with her value of creating positive change.

I understand this might not resonate with those whose primary goal is simply to make ends meet, regardless of their values. However, even then, it's impossible to separate your personal values from making impactful career decisions.

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” – John F. Kennedy

Secondly...

Align Values with Career Goals

Once you’ve identified your values, the next step is to align them with your career goals. Think about your long-term aspirations and ask yourself: Do these goals reflect my values? If not, it may be time to adjust your goals to better align with what truly matters to you.

For instance, Mike, a marketing professional, valued creativity and personal freedom. Initially, his goal was to climb the corporate ladder, but he often felt stifled in rigid corporate environments. Realising this mismatch, he pivoted to freelance consulting. This decision gave him the freedom to choose projects that inspired creativity and allowed him to thrive. I know a former boss who left a senior role in one organisation to take on a lesser role elsewhere because the operations of his current company no longer aligned with his core values of respect and work-life balance.

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett

Evaluate Decisions Through the Lens of Values

When faced with significant career decisions, evaluate your options based on your core values. This ensures that your choices resonate with what you stand for and prevents you from drifting into roles or industries that don’t serve your long-term interests.

Roy Disney said It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are

A finance executive was offered a lucrative position at a leading firm. However, the role required frequent travel, which conflicted with her value of spending quality time with family. She turned down the offer and instead sought a role with a better work-life balance, even if it meant a smaller paycheck. This is very much similar to my former boss I mentioned earlier. I have seen people resume a new job and resign in less than 3 months after realising the organisation's culture is not in alignment with their values.

Seek Opportunities That Reflect Your Values

Sometimes, value-driven decisions involve proactively seeking out opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to you. Look for companies, roles, or projects that embody your values. I know this might be challenging for some, especially in a highly competitive job market. However, it doesn’t diminish the importance of being intentional in seeking opportunities that align with your values.

A practical example is someone who is a sustainability advocate and felt disillusioned working in the oil and gas sector. He sought opportunities in renewable energy, eventually landing a role at a solar panel company. This shift aligned with his environmental values and gave him a renewed sense of purpose in his career.

In the words of Albert Schweitzer, "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

Focus on Values During Career Transitions

Steve Jobs said, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do"

Transitions—whether to a new job, a different industry, or a leadership role are defining moments in any career. Use these milestones to reaffirm your commitment to your values.

For instance, if you are transitioning from academia to corporate research, you should be deliberate about your values either for collaboration and intellectual growth or whatever makes sense to you in the world of values. You can choose a company with a strong team-oriented culture and opportunities for learning, ensuring your transition is both meaningful and fulfilling.

Be Prepared to Make Sacrifices

Someone once said, "Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain".

Living by your values often requires sacrifices. You might have to turn down lucrative opportunities, work harder, or take risks to stay aligned with your principles. The rewards, however, are worth it—a fulfilling and authentic career. Remember the example of my former boss? He chose to take a pay cut to prioritise peace of mind.

Reflect and Reassess Regularly

Values can evolve over time, and so should your career decisions. Periodic self-reflection ensures your choices remain in harmony with your current values and life circumstances. At some point in your life, your values might center around spending quality time with your family, especially when your kids are young or you’re newly married. At another time, your values might shift toward exploring the world through corporate opportunities.

For others, it might be a drive for innovation at one stage, and later, a desire for stability or giving back to the community. Values evolve with different phases of life, and understanding them is key to making fulfilling career and personal decisions.

There is a successful lawyer, who initially valued career advancement and prestige. As she grew older and started a family, her priorities shifted to balance and well-being. She transitioned into a part-time legal consultant role, allowing her to dedicate more time to her family without compromising her professional contributions.

How to Turn Values into Action: A Framework

Here’s a simple framework to ensure your values drive your decisions:

1. Define Your Values: Write down your top 3-5 core values. I have shared some examples of value in the article already.
2. Set Goals: Align your career goals with these values. You should be clear by now on what your career goals are, if you're not you can read one of the editions of this Newsletter on setting goals. The Power of Purpose Driven Goal Setting
3. Evaluate Opportunities: Assess every opportunity for value alignment.
4. Seek Like-Minded Environments: Look for workplaces and communities that reflect your principles.
5. Take Courageous Steps: Make bold moves to stay true to your values, even when it’s challenging.
6. Reflect Often: Revisit your values and decisions to ensure continued alignment.

Let me round up with the words of Zig Ziglar, who said “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”

Selah!