My Career Path Podcast

I’ve been there — stuck in a job that didn’t excite me.
I wasn’t miserable, but I wasn’t thriving either. I was going through the motions, trying to hit my 40-hour quota, counting down to the weekend, and wondering… is this really all there is?

After graduating college, I thought I’d finally land the dream job. I had enjoyed my work, but it just didn’t spark any real motivation. And for a while, I thought maybe that’s just how work is supposed to feel — something we endure.

But then I read Ken Coleman’s book From Paycheck to Purpose, and one quote hit me hard:

“You were created to fill a unique role. You are needed. And you must do it.”

That was the turning point.

In this post, I want to share what I’ve learned about finding meaningful work — not just tolerable work — and how you can start building a bridge to a career that actually energizes you.

The Problem with How We View Work

Most of us are taught that work is supposed to be hard. Draining. Uninspiring. Something we grind through so we can retire and finally enjoy life.

But what if work is meant to be more than that?

Both Ken Coleman and Paul Millerd (author of The Pathless Path and The Good Work) argue that work shouldn’t just be about survival or income — it should be about making a difference, feeling alive, and finding purpose in what we do every day.

We’ve confused work with punishment, when it’s actually a huge opportunity to grow, serve, and create. The truth is: when you slow down long enough to ask, “What kind of work was I made for?”, you start unlocking something much bigger than just a paycheck.

The Purpose Formula: Talent + Passion + Mission

Ken Coleman lays out a framework that changed the way I think about my own career path:

Talent + Passion + Mission = Purpose

Let’s unpack that:

1. Talent – What do you do best?

These are your natural strengths. Not necessarily what you went to school for or what your job title says, but the things you’re just good at. Maybe it’s organizing, communicating, troubleshooting, or encouraging others.

2. Passion – What work fires you up?

This is the kind of work that puts you in the “flow” state — where you lose track of time because you’re so engaged. It’s energizing, not draining. Think about the tasks you genuinely enjoy or get excited about, even if nobody’s paying you for them.

3. Mission – What impact do you want to make?

What change do you want to see in the world? What outcomes actually matter to you? This is about connecting your work to something bigger than yourself — whether that’s helping people, solving problems, or contributing to a cause.

When your talents, passions, and mission overlap, you’ve found your purpose.

That’s when work becomes something you want to do — not something you have to force yourself to do.

The 7 Stages to Meaningful Work

In From Paycheck to Purpose, Ken outlines a seven-step journey from just having a job to doing work that truly fulfills you:

1. Get Clear – Discover who you are and what you’re meant to do. Reflect on the moments when you felt energized or proud of your contributions.
2. Get Qualified – Learn the skills you need. I’m personally diving deeper into digital marketing, and even though I can find free resources everywhere, I’ve found that applying what I learn through blogs and newsletters makes all the difference.
3. Get Connected – Relationships open doors. Start conversations with people in industries that interest you. Many career breakthroughs happen through human connection, not job boards.
4. Get Started – Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Start messy, but start. Momentum beats perfection.
5. Get Promoted – Grow where you’re planted. Look for small ways to apply your purpose inside your current job, and see where it leads.
6. Get Your Dream Job – Where your talents, passions, and mission align. And remember, your “dream job” can change over time. That’s part of growth.
7. Give Yourself Away – Use your work to serve others. Purpose-driven work multiplies its meaning when you share it.

This isn’t a formula for overnight success — it’s a roadmap. You can start walking it one step at a time.

How to Start (Even If You’re Stuck)

Let’s be real: not everyone can drop everything to pursue their dream job.

But you can start building a bridge from where you are now to where you want to go.

Here’s how:

• Take Inventory: Write down your top talents, your passions, and the kind of impact that matters to you.
• Talk to People: Ask someone doing work you admire to share their story. This is one of the best things I’ve done through my podcast — hearing firsthand how people found their path.
• Make a Plan: Pick one small step — a book, a course, a connection — and act on it this week. Don’t overthink it. Just move.

Purpose isn’t a destination. It’s a direction.

Final Thoughts

Work doesn’t have to drain you. It can fuel you.

It can be creative, energizing, and meaningful — even if you’re not quite there yet.

You were made to do work that matters — not just to your employer, but to you.

So ask yourself:

• What kind of work would make me feel alive?
• What would it look like to move from a paycheck to purpose?

If this article spoke to you, share it with a friend or reply and tell me:
What’s one step you’re taking toward more meaningful work this week?

And if you want to hear more, check out the full YouTube episode linked here, or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly insights like this one.

Until next time — keep moving forward on your career path.

—Colt