Focusing on a Purpose over a Job with Belma McCaffrey
The theme this month on the podcast is careers! We're covering everything from switching to leveling up in your career, salary negotiations, and everything in between. This is a huge conversation topic with our clients at Financial Gym because so many factors are at play when making decisions around our career choices. Spoiler alert: it's not all about money.
Joining me today is Belma McCaffrey, Founder of Work Bigger and Career and Leadership coach, discussing the important topic of attaching to a purpose rather than a job. I have seen many clients struggle with the need to earn a paycheck but not feel aligned with their employer. Belma and I discuss how you can become better engaged at work, how to have better conversations at work, and when you know you just need to leave.
What are we drinking?
Belma - Water
Shannon - Black Cherry Schweppes
Podcast Notes
Belma started Work Bigger because it was the company she needed in her twenties. When she graduated college and started working, no matter where she was employed, she felt unfulfilled and disconnected a few months in. She went from job to job, thinking she would be happy if she found one that checked all the boxes.
She began reflecting on what she truly wanted, which led her to Career and Leadership coaching and, ultimately, Work Bigger.
What can I do if it feels like something is missing at work?
Most of us have to earn income to live, and managing our expectations about what that has to look like is important. Some people will have incredibly fulfilling careers, but a job can be just a paycheck. Most companies will not check every one of your dream boxes.
Step back and ask, ‘What is my intention for this job?’ If you get clear about why you’re working, those intentions can become your anchor.
Understand your strengths. Regardless of purpose, clarifying your strong points can have many benefits. If you’re unsure what those strengths are, assessments are available online, like StrengthFinder.
Understanding your strengths and exercising those throughout your work will help keep you engaged. We enjoy doing things we’re good at.
Knowing your strengths can help you negotiate for more money when asking for a raise. It allows you to clearly show your boss how you’re providing value.
Get clear about your values. Reflect on what you say yes to, how you spend your money, and the causes you want to support.
When you’re clear, you can choose an organization that aligns with your values. Culturally, you’ll feel more welcome in that type of environment.
When you can’t find a company that aligns with your values, remember that doing so is a privilege. Go back to your why and get honest about what this job is for you. What is your intention, and how are you meeting your basic needs?
There is a lot of power in clarity. Instead of feeling stuck, you are in control of your conscious choices, even if you aren’t happy with them at the moment.
If your values don’t align with the organization, find people within your workplace to connect with. Finding a community can create its own sense of value at work.
If I’m unhappy at work, how do I know if I should stay or go?
If you are unhappy at work, quitting has probably crossed your mind. It’s natural to want to leave when you’re unfulfilled or dissatisfied.
Can you engage in open dialogue with your company? Before you quit, raise your hand and talk with your boss about why you are unhappy. It can be challenging to express those feelings, but it’s important to allow them to support you. Don’t make assumptions they won’t be supportive.
Identify why you are disengaged and what your needs are. Once you know what you want, ask your boss to work with you. It can look like higher pay, a change of workflow, more vacation time, project support, or any other number of accommodations.
We spend eight hours a day at our job; ultimately, it is a relationship. Communication is a skill and is a huge part of professional relationships. We can only succeed with clear communication.
As an employer, Shannon wants to hear from the team about their challenges. She would prefer to help solve problems than for someone to quit without the opportunity to try. Your boss doesn’t want to lose you if you're a valued employee.
When you’re in a place where you’re silently quitting, it’s very telling. Something is off. You’re disengaged, and your needs aren’t being met. It’s not fair to you, and it’s not fair to the employer.
Leaving your job is a big decision. It can be challenging to make these decisions, and you don’t have to make them alone. Lean on others for support while you figure things out.
Suppose you are in a toxic environment or have already tried to talk with your boss and had a negative experience. In that case, it may be time to make other plans. The best time to look for a new job is when you already have one, so start pivoting.
Tips for people to feel more engaged during the day
No matter the job, the experience is an opportunity to learn. You can have the intention to gather skill sets or just earn a paycheck.
Finding your purpose can take time. It’s okay if it doesn’t happen overnight.
There is a lot of power in clarity. Understand your values and what's important to you. Clarity can help you make clear conscious decisions.
Sometimes it's just a job, and that's okay. You do not rely on the job to feel fulfilled. Find what interests you have outside of work.
Most companies are not going to check all the boxes. It's important to do the work yourself instead of quitting. Let go of the pressure. Use your current job as a launch pad for the next step or a learning opportunity.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is the odds are in your entire career you may not find purpose in your job and that’s okay. There are many other gifts your job can give you and you can find purpose in other places. Job satisfaction is as much a mindset shift as it is a company-related factor.
Random Three Questions
If you were to start another business, what would it be?
What are you currently binging?
If this was your last meal on earth, what would it be?
Connect with Belma McCaffrey and Work Bigger
Website: workbigger.co
Instagram: @workbigger
If you have any topics you would like me to cover on this podcast, or if you’d like to get in the financially naked hot seat, I encourage you to email me at Shannon@fingyms.com, or join the private Martinis and Your Money Face, and let me know what you want to hear.
A recent Financial Health Network study revealed that only 31% of Americans were financially healthy. Only 23% of women and only 15% of black people were. Financial health is a crisis in the US but it doesn’t need to stay that way. At the Financial Gym, we’ve spent the last 10 years working one-on-one with our members to help them achieve their financial health goals.
With a 90% success rate and with memberships starting as low as $35 a month, Financial Gym is not only the inflation-proof source for financial wellness for anyone but also a trusted and capable partner for your financial wellness journey. Head over to, or send friends to, financialgym.com and schedule a warm up call today. As a reminder, our warm up call team is staffed with amazing and current Financial Gym clients that can answer any of your questions about our program without any pressure to join. The call is free, so you have nothing to lose.