Designing Your Work Life – How to Create a Career You Love

The traditional idea of “finding the perfect job” is outdated. In Designing Your Work Life, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans argue that work satisfaction isn’t about luck—it’s about design. By applying design thinking, you can create a more fulfilling career without making drastic, impulsive changes.

Don’t Wait for Happiness—Create It

Many people believe that landing a high-paying or prestigious job will bring happiness, but this is often a false assumption. Instead of waiting for the perfect job to appear, focus on:

• Appreciating what you have now while working toward improvement.
• Identifying small changes that can make your current job more fulfilling.
• Reframing your mindset to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

Reframe Your Job to Make It Work for You

If your job isn’t ideal, that doesn’t mean you need to quit. First, try redesigning it:

• Adjust your mindset – Look at your job from a new perspective.
• Seek new challenges – Find ways to add variety or purpose to your role.
• Request feedback – Engage with managers or mentors to gain insights on improving your work.

Small Steps Lead to Big Career Shifts

Many people assume they need to make huge changes to improve their work life, but small adjustments can create significant improvements over time. Burnett and Evans suggest using the Set the Bar Low method, which focuses on:

• Taking manageable steps toward change (e.g., learning a new skill, networking).
• Experimenting with small projects before committing to major career shifts.
• Tracking progress to build momentum and confidence.

When to Quit—and How to Do It Right

Leaving a job doesn’t have to be dramatic. Instead of making a rash decision, follow these principles for “Generative Quitting”:

• Plan your exit strategy – Ensure you have another opportunity or savings before leaving.
• Maintain professionalism – Leave on good terms with colleagues and employers.
• Frame it as a new opportunity – See quitting as the next step toward a better future.

Align Your Work with Your Values

To find long-term career satisfaction, your job should align with your work view and life view:

• Work View: What does meaningful work look like for you?
• Life View: What gives your life purpose?

Matching these two perspectives ensures that your career choices reflect your core beliefs and long-term goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Happiness at work is designed, not found.
• Small mindset shifts can improve job satisfaction.
• Adjusting your current role may be more effective than quitting.
• Quitting should be a strategic decision, not an emotional reaction.
• Aligning work with personal values leads to greater fulfillment.

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References: Bill Burnett & Dave Evans (2020). Designing Your Work Life.