"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

The main difference between a job and a career is that a job is just something you do for money, whereas a career is a substantial endeavor, something you work towards and build upon every day… with a goal that you want to eventually achieve. Whereas a job is typically one role, a career is built from a combination of roles, including experiences, education, achievements, and pathways you take on the road to your goal.

So, which one do you have, a job or a career? More Importantly, do you love it?

Let’s face it, few people have a career on day one. For most people, their job begins as a matter of necessity – to pay groceries, rent, car and insurance payments. Once the cadence of a regular paycheck becomes normal, it still takes years before people reach a level of experience where they feel as though their job has become more of a career. The 10,000-hour rule popularized by Malcolm Gladwell is a fair representation of the timeline for transition from “job to career”, although each person is different.

The transition from “job to career” is informal; there’s no change in title or compensation… one day you just wake up and realize your job means more to you than money. For most financial advisers, the transition to a career will be strongly correlated to their passion for positive client outcomes. A career in financial advice can be filled with positive reinforcement – helping clients as they transition from one phase of life to the next – and knowing that their success is your success as well.

When you discover that your job has turned into a career, you’ll find that changes how you view the company you represent. Your satisfaction is no longer defined by a simple question that asks, “Am I well compensated?”, but a discussion that asks a larger question, “Am I well supported?” The pursuit of positive client outcomes can offer financial advisers a useful lens to evaluate their firm: Is your firm helping you fuel your passion for client outcomes? If not, are you making the difference that you could be? Depending on the answer, maybe it’s time to explore your options.

Valentine’s Day is a great day to reflect on the people who make a difference in your life, as well as the difference you make in theirs. A passion for supporting positive client outcomes is a passion for life. The best way to guarantee a successful career – at any stage – is by choosing a firm that supports that passion. When you choose to partner with a firm that fully supports your career, you’ll find everyone benefits: your clients, your family & friends, and yourself.