Telling whether you’re in a fulfilling relationship is hard enough. But how can you determine if you’re in a fulfilling career? That’s really challenging.

Part of the problem is that careers are never easy. Every industry you get into has its issues and problems.

The good news is that there are often signs you’re in the right place. It might not always feel like it, but they’re there.

You Feel Energized Most Days

One of the best indicators you’re in the right career is the fact that you feel energized most days. You’re excited to get up and start the day, even if you’ve had a tough month.

Polls consistently show that employees who feel like they have a lot of energy are more likely to enjoy their work. Usually, the energy comes first, and then the work second, not the other way around. It’s almost as if your mind knows you’re in the right place for your skills and characteristics.

You’re Growing

Another sign you’re in the right place is that you have a sense that you’re growing. You’re not just grinding through the motions.

For example, if you’re growing, you’re taking on bigger challenges. You’re also taking care of others and perhaps even managing them.

Again, you should have a deep sense of whether you’re growing or not. Progress is one of those things that’s hard to deny, so think “stretch assignments” and promotions. If these are coming your way more often, it’s a sign you’re in the right place.

Time Flies

You could also be in the right role for you if time flies while you’re working. You’re not just watching the clock - you’re really paying attention to the work you’re doing.

Many people in the arts and professional services industries find that time just seems to disappear when they work. Whether they are writing, creating music or delivering reports, they don’t notice the clock and they never think about when 17:00 is going to come around. They’re just happy doing what they’re doing.

If you really notice time disappearing, it could be because you’re in the flow state. You’re essentially shutting down all parts of your brain except those dealing with the task at hand. Many workers go their entire careers without ever really experiencing this, so it’s a good position to be in.

You Talk About Work Positively To Other People

You could also be in the right place regarding your work if you talk about work positively to other people. If you have good things to say about what you do, then that’s often a sign you’re where you want to be in life.
For example, if someone asks what you did with your week, instead of ranting, you might want to talk to them about an interesting project you undertook.

Failure Hurts More Than You’d Expect

Another sign you’re really into what you’re doing and find it fulfilling is if failure really sticks and hurts more than you’d expect. Most people don’t really mind if they get something wrong at work. They’re just not that bothered because they’re not invested in it. But if you notice that failure is really bringing you down, it usually shows you care about the mission or the outcomes more than you’d expect.

You Invest In Your Career

You could also be in the right place if you invest in your career. For example, instead of going out to dinner with friends, you’re putting your money into things like forklift training or programming so you can be more valuable.

These types of activities indicate that your career is about more than just doing something to pay the bills. It’s something you find personally fulfilling and is part of your identity.

Your Values Match Your Company’s

Another sign you’re doing something you find fulfilling is if your values match those of the company you work for. If you share a common reason for working hard, then that makes your relationship much more sustainable in the long term. You actually feel like you’re making a difference instead of selling your soul.

You Have Friends At Work

Finally, you’re often in a good place with your career if you have real friends at work. These are people you can go out with in the evenings and simply enjoy their company. They’re not just colleagues where you have to watch what you say, but people who are on your side and think about life in a similar way to you.