Finding purpose (even when you like your job)
“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.”
A little while ago, I was chatting with my friend, a member of Female Lawyers Club. She told me that while she quite liked her job as a real estate lawyer, she sometimes wondered whether there was something more out there for her - a bigger sense of purpose or direction.
That feeling really resonated with me, because I think so many of us have moments where we pause and ask: Is this it? Or could there be something else I’m meant to be doing?
The Power of Coaching
Recently, I was recommended a book called Are You Listening? by Jenny Rogers (thanks to Rachael for the recommendation! It was great). I liked the idea that coaching can act as a kind of mirror: helping you detect what’s already inside you, and then find ways to lean into it more.
Jenny Rogers has spent 30 years as an executive coach, working with Chief Executives and Directors of the UK’s best known organisations. In Are You Listening?, she shares fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking stories from her coaching career, showing how even high-flying professionals wrestle with meaning, identity and inner resistance.
An exercise for those wondering about purpose
In her book, Jenny offers a structured exercise to help people who are looking for more clarity about their life’s direction. Below is an adapted version. You may find it helpful whether you’re thinking about your career, your personal life, or simply how to feel more fulfilled day to day.
When you’re wondering how to bring more purpose into your life, you might ask yourself:
What things do I find surprisingly easy compared to others?
When people praise me, what recurring themes or strengths do they point to?
Which relationships in my life feel most nourishing, and why?
What values would I passionately defend, no matter the cost?
Outside of “what I do,” who am I proud of being?
In moments when I’m stretching myself and doing meaningful work, what conditions are present?
What dreams or goals have I never quite followed through on?
What kind of legacy or impact would I like to leave behind?
You can use these as journal prompts, or even as discussion points with a friend, mentor or coach. The magic often lies not in getting perfect answers immediately, but in letting the questions slowly guide your awareness over time
How this may help you
You don’t have to leap to “something else” overnight. Sometimes purpose is about subtle adjustments - small pivots within your work, or adding something complementary outside work (volunteering, mentoring, creative projects).
Purpose evolves. What feels meaningful in your 30s may shift in your 40s and beyond. What matters is staying in conversation with yourself.
Outside perspective helps. That’s where coaching, accountability partnerships or trusted confidants come in. They can help you see blind spots, ask the tough questions, and challenge self-limiting beliefs.
If this resonates with you, why not pick one or two of those prompts and spend 5–10 minutes writing whatever comes to mind, without judgment. You might be surprised by what emerges.
Enjoy the rest of your week,
Rachel