Knowing If a Job Is Right for You: Fulfilling Career Signs

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Is this job really the right fit for me?”—you’re not alone. 

Many of us land positions because they pay the bills, look good on paper or make sense as the next “logical” career move.

But deep down, you may wonder if you’re meant for more.

Finding meaningful work doesn’t have to feel like luck. There are clear signs of a fulfilling job — and just as important, red flags that tell you when to walk away from a job opportunity.

You don't want to land a job with a toxic culture or one that has an environment worse than the situation you may be in now. 

So it's important to focus on more than the job search and the interview preparation. 

You're more likely to find meaningful work that fits your lifestyle if you put in a bit more effort on the front end.

DISCLOSURE: If you’re desperately seeking a job for income, and if you’re in survival mode, the approach covered here isn’t for you. 

But, if you’re able to take some time to seek more fulfilling employment, let’s break it down into three steps. It’s time you go through the job search process confidently, knowing your next role will bring you both purpose and peace of mind.

As an English major, I love writing. But, at some point well into my career, I realized I began disliking communications because I didn’t care for the topics I was covering at my jobs. 

And then I realized I had no clue on how to get into a different position where I could use my talents, while enjoying what I was doing for a living. Actually, other than writing, I was unclear on what else I was good at doing because I’d been in communications for so long.

I didn't look for other types of jobs because the communications field was what I knew. It was familiar. It was comfortable.  

Here’s the beginning to your process of shifting your mindset so you can begin shifting your career into one you enjoy.

Step 1: Take a Step Back and Reflect

Before you rush into completing applications or scheduling interviews – pause. 

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy my current responsibilities?
  (Not the pay or perks – do you actually like your daily work tasks?)

It’s not unusual to complete high school or college, or to get an advanced degree and get stuck in a career. Then 10-plus years have passed since graduation and you’re questioning how you’ve been in your field so long. 

You don’t even love what you’re doing. Or, you haven't questioned whether the paycheck you’re collecting is worth the stress and unfulfillment because you’re in a routine that makes sense.

Like many people, you continue taking the next logical career step. Or, your career thus far has served you well and you never took time to consider whether you'd like to try a new path.

• Am I growing in my career?
  Can you see yourself advancing where you are, or are you stuck?
  
  

• Why did I choose my career field in the first place?
  > Did I choose my career or did it choose me? 

 > Does that reason still resonate – or has it expired?

Watch this video for more details about this point.

Don’t continue on autopilot down a career path simply because it's logical.

If you're seeking a more purposeful profession, it's crucial you pause to evaluate why you’re choosing to search for a particular type of position. 

Alright, so now hopefully you have some insight as to whether you really do love your field and should remain in it, or whether you want to consider trying something new. 

💡 Pro Tip: Be honest with yourself. 

Sometimes we stay in careers because they’re familiar or safe, not because they light us up. If you’re questioning your career path, you’re already opening the door to something better.

Step 2: Define Your Ideal Work Life

Imagine your dream day-to-day. This isn’t fluff – it’s clarity. 

Ask yourself:

• How many hours do I actually want to work each week?

• Do I thrive in a social, collaborative workplace – or do I prefer quiet and solo time?

• What’s non-negotiable: salary, vacation, flexibility, or commute?

• Do I want to dress up daily – or keep it casual from home?
  
  

• How much does company culture matter (conservative vs. creative, structured vs. flexible)?
  
  

💡 Pro Tip: Narrow down your top three to five priorities when it comes to what aspects of a work position are important to you. If family time is number one, a long commute or a working weekend should be noted.

Step 3: look for Red Flags

Interviews aren’t just for the company to assess you – they’re your chance to spot clues about culture and expectations that may affect your priorities.

You may tend to focus on showcasing yourself versus spending time interviewing the employer to see if this possible next career step aligns with your needs.

As examples below, observe behaviors and company culture:

• Notice when recruiters or managers email you. If it’s always late at night, that may signal a long-hours culture.
  
  

• Pay attention to how they treat you – respectful, rushed, dismissive? That often mirrors daily life at the job.
  
  

• Ask thoughtful questions: “What does work-life balance look like here?” or “How does your team handle high-pressure deadlines?”
  
  

💡 Pro Tip:  You’re not just looking for any offer. You’re checking whether the role aligns with the lifestyle you’ve already defined before interviewing.

Common Career Roadblocks

Many women stay in careers out of routine:

• It’s comfortable.
  

• It’s paying the bills.
  

• It’s what they studied in school.
  
  

But comfort isn’t the same as fulfillment. Growth requires courage – and, yes, sometimes that means pivoting into something new.

Take Control of Your Career

Instead of climbing an unfulfilling career ladder, take the scenic route with intention. Clarify what you value, observe carefully during interviews and remain aligned to your priorities.

If you’re struggling to sort through your options, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer a free 45-minute breakthrough call to help women just like you gain career clarity and confidence.

The reality is figuring out your next possible career move on your own is hard. Why go at it alone?

FAQs: How to Know If a Job Is Right for You

What are the signs of a fulfilling job?
You enjoy the actual responsibilities, see growth opportunities and believe the role supports your lifestyle (not just pays your bills).

What red flags should I look for in an interview?
Watch out for vague answers about culture, late-night communication or high turnover; beware of interviewers who provide ambiguous answers to your questions.

How do I know if I should change careers?
If your current field drains you or offers little growth, or perhaps no longer excites you, it may be time to pivot.

✨ Bottom line: A position aligned with a fulfilling career is more than a job title or paycheck. It’s about uniting your values, lifestyle and vision.