This is a question I get very often from my students. We are all trying to find a career path that allows us to gain fulfillment in life. But the nature of our job – communicating with and helping customers – can be taxing and draining on some insurance professionals over time.
Insurance itself is not a passion, but there are many aspects of working in the insurance industry that many may find fulfilling. Maybe you enjoy helping clients get their claim settled, helping protect their assets by selling and reviewing their policies, managing people, or assisting with creating solutions to problems in the workplace.
Here are four ways to help you determine if working in the insurance industry is fulfilling a passion for you:
1. Remember your childhood and what you enjoyed doing when you were young. Try to connect to the things you used to love to do when you were a child. How did you spend your time? What were your favorite activities and interests? What are you naturally good at and people have mentioned it to you throughout the years. For some, it’s drawing, helping children or senior citizens, teaching, etc.
2. Reflect on your position and your passion. Once you have determined the things that you naturally love to do or that bring you joy, or things that you feel good doing, reflect on your current role and see if your passion can fit into it. Is it a hobby or a career that will allow you to earn your desired income?
3. Explore various career options. Read through job descriptions or articles about how to pursue various careers. If you find a task or role that sounds interesting, research that position and related jobs further. With so many types of job positions available, it’s possible that you haven’t discovered the right one for you. Reviewing job descriptions might help you find roles best suited to your interests and skills. Reading about a certain task or responsibility that sounds interesting may also help you research-related roles that might be an even better fit for your skillset.
4. Talk with your current supervisor or manager about career options. If you enjoy some aspects of your current role or company but want to discover a better fit, your manager may help you learn about other career opportunities within the company. Your manager may also give you additional responsibilities that align more with your interests or strengths. Open communication is key in finding a position that works for you!