On September 9, 2013, the second World Happiness Report was published, commissioned by the United Nations. The report reflects a clear global trend: growing attention to people’s happiness and well-being — and how these can be measured. It also offers insights into ways to increase the level of happiness people experience. You can find the report here: World happiness report 2013.

In the report, the Netherlands ranks fourth in happiness, after Denmark, Norway, and Switzerland. Overall, we are relatively happy people compared to others on this planet. One key reason the Dutch score well is that, comparatively, we have a great deal of freedom to make our own choices — including in our careers. But not everyone experiences that freedom. Many people in the Netherlands still feel unhappy in their work because they’re not in the right place. So why do so many people stay in jobs that don’t suit them, only to regret it later?
One reason could be that they have talents they’re not using and because of that, they don’t take the step they’d actually like to take.

How can you gain more clarity about that?

Strategy 1: Take a closer look at your actions, especially when you’re facing problems or going through a crisis.

The Chinese word for what we call “crisis” is 危机 (wēijī), made up of two characters: “危” (wēi), which means danger, and “机” (jī), which means opportunity. So unlike in Western cultures, the word “crisis” is not solely associated with something negative — it clearly shows that it’s all about how you choose to view it. A crisis can also be a chance to grow and act. The biggest problems and obstacles in your life often challenge you the most. Take a moment to reflect: What recurring patterns or struggles do you keep running into? What opportunities might be hidden in those patterns? And also: What talents have you shown in times of crisis? Often, those are abilities that have remained untapped, until now.

Strategy 2: Go back to your childhood dreams

Find a quiet spot in your home where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and take yourself back in your mind to when you were a child. What did you look like? How did you feel? When did you feel completely in your element? What dreams did you have as a child? Then open your eyes and write down everything that came to mind. Chances are, you’ll reconnect with long-forgotten talents!

Strategy 3: Spend a day shadowing someone in a job that truly excites you.

Many of us know someone with a job we envy, or at least one that makes us a little excited just thinking about it. Chances are, you’re hoping to tap into talents in that kind of role that you haven’t been able to fully express in your current job. See if you can spend a day shadowing someone in that field!
Would you like to receive more tips and inspiration on finding a job that truly feels like coming home?