Figuring out what truly matters to you can totally change your career path for the better. This article will guide you, a Filipino professional, on how to discover your core values and align them with your job, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful career here in the Philippines. Let’s dive in!
Why It Matters: Your Values and Your Career
Why should you even bother trying to match your values with your job? Well, imagine feeling like you’re constantly swimming upstream at work. Maybe you value honesty, but your job involves bending the truth a little bit. Or perhaps you care deeply about helping others, but your job is all about chasing profits. This disconnect can lead to burnout, stress, and a general feeling of dissatisfaction. According to a study by Deloitte, employees whose values align with their company are less likely to quit. Finding a career that resonates with your values isn’t just a feel-good exercise – it’s an investment in your well-being and long-term success.
Step 1: Uncovering Your Core Values – Bayanihan Style
Okay, let’s start digging into what really matters to you. This isn’t about listing things that sound good, but about uncovering your true, deeply held beliefs. Think of it like a “bayanihan” effort, where everyone pitches in to help move a house. You’re helping to move your career towards something more meaningful.
First, think about moments in your life when you felt truly happy, proud, or fulfilled. What was happening? What values were being honored in those situations? For instance, maybe you felt great volunteering for a community project (highlighting values like community and service). Or perhaps you excelled at a project where you had a lot of freedom to be creative (pointing to creativity and autonomy).
Next, consider times when you felt frustrated, angry, or disappointed at work or in other situations. What values were being violated? Maybe you were upset when a colleague took credit for your work (indicating the importance of fairness or recognition). Or perhaps you felt stifled by a rigid work environment (underscoring the value of flexibility or innovation). Think like you are analyzing your core values the ways Filipinos would approach Pakikipagkapwa-tao and Pakikiramdam to understanding what is truly important.
Here are some common Filipino values that might resonate with you:
- Family (Pamilya): Prioritizing the well-being and needs of your family. Many Filipinos work hard to support their families, and this could be a core driver in your career choices.
- Respect (Paggalang): Showing deference and consideration to elders and those in authority. This influences workplace interactions and career advancement.
- Hard Work (Sipag at Tiyaga): The belief in the value of diligence and perseverance. Filipinos are known for their hard work ethic, both locally and abroad.
- Harmony (Pakikipagkapwa-tao): Maintaining positive relationships and avoiding conflict. This fosters a collaborative work environment.
- Faith (Pananampalataya): Having strong religious beliefs that guide your actions and decisions.
- Resilience (Katatagan): The ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. This is crucial for navigating the ups and downs of a career.
Don’t limit yourself to this list. Think about your personal experiences and use online values clarification exercises. There are many free online tools that can help you identify your core values, such as this values clarification exercise by MindTools. These tools often provide lists of values and ask you to rate their importance to you.
Step 2: Mapping Your Values to Your Current Career
Once you have a solid understanding of your core values, it’s time to see how well they align with your current job. This can be a bit of a reality check, but it’s essential for identifying areas where you might be experiencing disconnect. So, let’s consider how this works within the typical Filipino culture.
Make a list of your top 5-7 core values. Then, for each value, ask yourself: How well is this value being honored in my current job? Provide specific examples or situations to support your answer. For example, if you value integrity, you might say, “My job honors integrity because I’m always expected to be honest with clients and colleagues.” Or if you value creativity, you might say, “My job violates creativity because I’m stuck doing repetitive tasks with little room for innovation.”
Be honest with yourself. It’s okay if your current job doesn’t perfectly align with all of your values. The goal is to identify the areas where there’s the most significant disconnect and figure out what you can do about it. Even if you value pakikisama (maintaining smooth interpersonal relationships), recognize if that also means avoiding necessary, albeit difficult, workplace conversations.
Practical Example:
Let’s say a Filipino professional, Maria, values family, helping others, and growth. She works as a call center agent, earning a decent salary to support her family. While she values supporting her family, she feels disconnected from the work itself, which doesn’t allow her to directly help others or grow her skills. In this case, Maria recognizes a misalignment between her values and her current job.
Step 3: Exploring Career Options That Align with Your Values
Now comes the exciting part: exploring career options that better align with your values. This doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your current job right away. It could involve making small changes in your current role, exploring new opportunities within your company, or considering a completely different career path.
Start by brainstorming a list of potential careers that could honor your core values. Think broadly and don’t limit yourself to what you think is “realistic.” Ask yourself: In what types of roles or industries could I best express my values? If you value helping others, you might consider careers in healthcare, social work, education, or non-profit organizations. If you value creativity, you might explore fields like design, writing, marketing, or the arts. If you value family, you might prioritize jobs with flexible hours, remote work options, or generous parental leave policies. In the Philippines, this might also mean considering job opportunities closer to your family, even if the salary is slightly lower.
Research different career paths and talk to people who work in those fields. Use LinkedIn, job boards (like JobStreet Philippines), and your personal network to gather information and insights. Ask people about their day-to-day experiences, the challenges and rewards of their jobs, and how their work aligns with their values.
Consider upskilling or reskilling to prepare for a career change. The Philippine government offers various training programs through TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) to help Filipinos acquire new skills and improve their employability. This can be a great way to gain the necessary qualifications for a career that aligns with your values. Think about how you can leverage the Filipino values of sipag and tiyaga (hard work and perseverance) to learn new skills and pursue your dream career.
Step 4: Taking Action – From Analysis to Implementation (The “Diskarte” Approach)
Knowing your why is great, but it’s nothing without action. Time to put on your best “diskarte” hat – the Filipino art of resourcefulness and problem-solving! This is where you move from thinking about your values to actively integrating them into your career.
Small Steps in Your Current Role: Even if you’re not ready for a complete career change, look for ways to incorporate your values into your current job. If you value learning, ask for opportunities to attend workshops or take on new challenges. If you value collaboration, volunteer to work on team projects or mentor junior colleagues. If you value making a difference, look for ways to contribute to your company’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives. In the Filipino context, this could also mean finding ways to apply your skills to help your community or support local causes.
Networking the Filipino Way: Strengthen your network by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with people on LinkedIn. Filipinos are known for their strong social connections, so leverage your network to find opportunities and gain insights. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or mentorship from senior professionals who share your values. Attend sectoral job fairs organized by PESO or the Public Employment Service Office of the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment to seek advice and job opportunities.
Side Hustles with Soul: Consider starting a side hustle that aligns with your values. This could be anything from freelance writing or design to starting a small business that supports a cause you care about. A side hustle can provide you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment outside of your main job, and it can also be a stepping stone to a full-time career change. For instance, if you value sustainability, you might be a typical worker bee in any industry, but start offering eco-friendly products that are locally made on weekends.
The “Apply, Apply, Apply” Mantra: If you’re actively looking for a new job, don’t be discouraged by rejections. The job search process can be tough, but persistence is key. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight how your values align with the company’s mission and values. Practice your interview skills and be prepared to articulate why you’re passionate about the role and how you can contribute to the organization. Look for companies that actively promote diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility, as these are often good indicators of a values-driven workplace.
Addressing Challenges Unique to Filipinos
Navigating career choices in the Philippines often comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Family Pressure: Many Filipinos feel pressure to pursue careers that are considered “stable” or “high-paying” by their families, even if those careers don’t align with their values. Open communication is key. Explain to your family why your chosen career path is important to you and how it will ultimately lead to your happiness and fulfillment. Show them how your values will drive your success. Frame it as pursuing a “stable” and “high-paying” career by defining success in terms of fulfillment and purpose.
- Financial Constraints: Career changes often involve taking a pay cut or investing in further education, which can be difficult for Filipinos who are supporting their families. Explore affordable training options, scholarships, and government assistance programs. Consider starting with a side hustle to supplement your income while transitioning to a new career. Prioritize financial literacy and create a budget to manage your expenses and save for your future.
- Limited Opportunities: In some regions of the Philippines, job opportunities may be limited, particularly in certain industries. Be open to relocating to other cities or provinces where there are more opportunities in your field. Consider remote work options or starting your own business to overcome geographical limitations. Embrace online networking and build connections with professionals in other regions or countries.
Case Studies: Filipinos Who Found Their Why
The following narratives are completely hypothetical but represent many Filipinos and the way values intersect with the career choices that they make.
The Teacher with a Tech Twist: Let’s call her Aling Nena, a seasoned public school teacher who felt a growing disconnect from the traditional teaching methods. She valued innovation and wanted to provide her students with a more engaging learning experience. Even though retirement was fast approaching, she took “diskarte” into her own hands by taking online courses in educational technology and gamification. She slowly integrated these new methods into her classroom, making learning more fun and interactive for her students. She started sharing her knowledge with other teachers in her school, becoming a champion for innovation in education. At retirement, she made online learning materials for other teachers to use for a small fee.
The Accountant Turned Social Entrepreneur: Mang Ben, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who felt unfulfilled by his corporate job. He valued helping others and wanted to make a difference in his community. He took a leap of faith and started a social enterprise that provides affordable microloans to small businesses in his hometown. He leveraged his financial expertise to help these businesses grow and create jobs, uplifting the lives of families in his community. He struggled to make ends meet initially, but knew he was fulfilling his purpose.
The Role of Filipino Culture in Career Fulfillment
Filipino culture, with its emphasis on family, community, and spirituality, profoundly influences career aspirations and fulfillment. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for navigating career choices and finding a sense of purpose.
Family as a Motivator: For many Filipinos, family is the primary driver of their career decisions. The desire to provide for their family’s needs and ensure their well-being often takes precedence over personal passions or career aspirations. It’s important to find a balance between fulfilling your family’s expectations and pursuing a career that aligns with your values. One can consider a compromise where you are able to meet both, such as starting a business that the family is part of.
Community Engagement: Filipinos have a strong sense of community and often seek opportunities to give back and contribute to the betterment of society. Volunteering, participating in community projects, and supporting local causes can add a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your career. Integrate ways for the corporation or business you are part of to engage with communities needing help through corporate social responsibility programs.
Spirituality and Purpose: Faith and spirituality play a significant role in the lives of many Filipinos. Aligning your career with your spiritual values can provide a sense of meaning and direction. Consider careers that allow you to express your faith or contribute to religious or charitable organizations.
Further Resources
There are many resources available to help you on your journey of finding your why and aligning your career with your values:
- Career Counseling: Consult with a career counselor or coach who can help you identify your values, explore career options, and develop a plan of action.
- Online Assessments: Take online personality tests and career aptitude quizzes to gain insights into your strengths, interests, and values.
- Networking Events: Attend industry events and career fairs to connect with professionals in your field and learn about different career paths.
- Books and Articles: Read books and articles on career development, personal branding, and values-based leadership.
FAQ Section
Q: How do I know if I’m truly living my values at work?
A: You’ll generally feel a sense of energy and enthusiasm in your work. You’ll feel less stressed, more motivated, and more connected to your work. You might find that you perform your role better and you are also happier about work in general.
Q: What if my dream job doesn’t pay well?
A: This is something many Filipinos face. Evaluate your financial needs and consider a compromise. Can you supplement your income with a side hustle? Are you willing to adjust your lifestyle? Are you able to build your qualifications for the role such that you are paid higher in the future? Research career pathing such as what role to start in order to eventually become what you dreamed, while being paid a reasonable amount.
Q: How do I talk to my family about wanting to change careers?
A: Be open, honest, and respectful. Explain your reasoning and emphasize the importance of finding a career that aligns with your values and will bring you fulfillment. Be prepared to address their concerns and offer solutions.
Q: Is it ever too late to change careers?
A: Absolutely not! It’s never too late to pursue your passions and find a career that you love. Many Filipinos make successful career changes later in life. What is important is to ensure that you are able to adapt to changes in the work environment as much as possible.
Q: What if my skills are not aligned with my ideal job?
A: Identify those gaps. There are various free or paid online courses that can increase competencies so that you can pursue your ideal role. Start with foundational skills first and build up your profile over time.
Q: How to stay resilient when pursuing meaningful work is tough?
A: Filipino culture is all about “bayanihan” and “pakikipagkapwa”. Find your support network of friends, family, or even online communities. Find people who advocate for your success and believe in your vision. Celebrate small achievements so you are grounded—this is important for maintaining your stamina in pursuing your purpose.
References
- Deloitte. “Navigating the forces of disruption.” 2020.
- Hofstede Insights. “Country Comparison.” Retrieved from Hofstede Insights website.
- MindTools. “Values Clarification Exercise.”
Finding your “why” is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuously exploring your values, experimenting with different career paths, and adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Remember the Filipino spirit of resilience and resourcefulness. Embrace change, believe in yourself, and never give up on your quest for a more fulfilling and meaningful career.
Ready to take the first step? Start by reflecting on your core values today. What truly matters to you? Let that be your compass as you navigate your career path. The Philippines needs your passion, your talent, and your values. Embrace your “why” and create a career that makes a difference!
