How to Look for a Job You Love

How to Look for a Job You Love Lets start with a simple question Do you love your job?If the answer is no, nowis the perfect time to make a change. The first step is to identify what you like and dislike about your current job. Being in tune with your feelings will help you spotthe perfect new opportunity.What would make you want to go to work every day? Are you looking for more meaning? Would you like a bigger paycheck? Do you prefer more autonomy and respect from your boss? Perhaps you want all of the above.What do you like about your current job? Do you feel youre working on something with a purpose or a mission that motivates you? Does the job give you flexibility in your daily schedule?What else do youenjoy about your work?Whenyoure unhappy at your current job, your first instinct is often to start looking through job postings for the perfect job title. You assume that the right title and job description will make all the difference. However, a j ob change is rarely that straightforward.Finding the right job is about finding the right situation. Its about finding a supportive boss and good coworkersat a reliable company in a stable industry.The perfect job title doesnt mean much if you hate your boss or your workplace. Alternatively, you might be willing to make a little less money if you could just find a job you loved.Remember, finding a job is a lot like dating. If you breakup witha personbut you dont take time to reflect on what went wrong,you very well might end up in another equally unhappy relationship. The same thing happens whenyou run from one job to another without first understanding what you need to be happy at work.Once you have a good idea of the pros and cons at your current job,you should start building your professional network. Even if youre not ready to make a change today,you will need your network when you are ready. Plus, finding a job through networking givesyou a higher chance of success. You may alr eady know your future boss you just havent figured it out yet.The more you know about the company going in, the more likely you are to find a match. After all, finding a job you love is all about fit.A version of this article originally appeared onCopeland Coaching.Angela Copeland is a career coach and CEO at her firm,Copeland Coaching.