Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t excite you?
If so, you’re not alone.
Many people find themselves in roles that don’t align with what truly motivates them.
The result?
Workdays feel endless, motivation fades, and job satisfaction plummets.
The good news is, once you understand what truly motivates you at work, you can find a career that excites you and makes the hours fly by.
In this post, we’ll explore how you can identify your career motivation using Edgar Schein’s Career Anchor Theory and provide practical steps to apply this knowledge to your career journey.
Why Career Motivation Matters
Motivation is the driving force behind your actions.
When you’re in a job that aligns with your motivation, you’re more engaged, productive, and happier.
But when your role doesn’t align with your internal motivation, work can feel tedious and unfulfilling.
So, what motivates you?
Understanding your unique motivation is the key to unlocking a satisfying and rewarding career.
Let’s dive into the Career Anchor Theory to help you uncover what drives you.
Discovering Your Career Anchor
Edgar Schein, a respected organizational psychologist, developed the Career Anchor Theory to explain how different motivations guide career decisions.
After studying professionals’ career experiences, he identified eight Career Anchors – core values that influence your career choices.
Your Career Anchor is the central value or motivation that drives your career decisions.
Knowing your anchor helps you choose jobs that align with your core values, leading to greater job satisfaction and success.
The Eight Career Anchors
Let’s take a closer look at the eight Career Anchors that Schein identified.
As you read through them, see which one resonates with you the most:
1. Technical/Functional Competence
You’re motivated by becoming an expert in a specific field. Mastering a particular skill or subject matter is what drives you. You prefer to be known for your technical expertise rather than managing teams or being a generalist.
2. Managerial Competence
You’re a natural leader who thrives in roles that allow you to manage people, projects, and resources. Bringing out the best in others and overseeing complex tasks excites you. You love seeing your vision come to life through the efforts of your team.
3. Autonomy/Independence
Freedom and flexibility are your top priorities. You value the ability to make your own decisions, set your own schedule, and work on your own terms. You prefer roles that allow for independence and minimal supervision.
4. Security/Stability
You prefer predictable work environments where you can feel secure and stable. A steady income, job security, and clear career paths are important to you. Risk-taking isn’t your style—you like to play it safe.
5. Entrepreneurial Creativity
You love innovation and are always looking for opportunities to create something new. Taking risks, solving problems, and bringing fresh ideas to life is what motivates you. You’re willing to take bold steps to pursue your dreams.
6. Service/Dedication to a Cause
You’re driven by a sense of purpose. Making a positive impact and helping others is your primary motivator. Whether it’s advocating for a cause, helping people, or working for social good, you want your work to make a difference.
7. Pure Challenge
You thrive on solving tough problems and pushing your limits. If something is too easy, it bores you. You’re motivated by challenges that require innovative thinking and constant learning.
8. Lifestyle
You prioritize work-life balance. You want to enjoy life outside of work, whether that’s spending time with family, traveling, or pursuing hobbies. You’re motivated by roles that allow you to balance your career with your personal life.
How to Use Your Career Anchor
Once you’ve identified your Career Anchor, how can you use it to make career decisions?
1. Career Decision-Making
If you’re choosing between job opportunities, think about which one aligns with your Career Anchor.
For example, if you’re driven by Entrepreneurial Creativity, a corporate role with rigid rules may not be the best fit. Instead, a startup or freelance role where you can innovate might be more satisfying.
2. Career Development
If your current role doesn’t align with your Career Anchor, you might feel unsatisfied. Use your anchor as a guide for career development.
For instance, if you’re motivated by Service/Dedication to a Cause, seek out roles or projects that allow you to contribute to meaningful work.
3. Career Planning
If you’re unsure about your next move, let your Career Anchor guide you.
Think about jobs or industries that align with your anchor and create a roadmap for achieving those goals.
Real-Life Examples of Career Motivation
James’ Story: From Retail to Freelance Freedom
James worked in retail for several years and was offered a promotion to Store Manager. While he enjoyed interacting with customers, he realized he wanted more control over his work. After reflecting, he discovered his Career Anchor was Autonomy/Independence. He left his retail job and pursued a career as a freelance web designer, where he now enjoys the freedom to set his own hours and choose his projects.
Maria’s Story: Seeking Stability
Maria had been working as a receptionist but felt uncertain about her future due to job insecurity and low pay. She discovered her Career Anchor was Security/Stability and decided to transition into a role as a dental assistant. Now, with better benefits and a steady income, Maria enjoys the peace of mind that comes with a secure career path.
Exercise: Find Your Career Anchor
Now it’s your turn! Here’s how you can discover your Career Anchor:
- Review the Eight Anchors: Take a look at the eight Career Anchors and think about which one resonates with you the most.
- Reflect on Your Work Experience: Think about your past jobs. Which roles made you feel energized and motivated? Which ones left you feeling drained? This reflection can help you identify your primary Career Anchor.
- Consider the Future: Ask yourself which anchor will likely still be important to you 10 years from now. If you had to choose just one, which would you prioritize?
It’s also common to relate to more than one Career Anchor, but most people have a primary anchor and one or two secondary ones.
As you gain more work experience, your anchor may become clearer over time.
The Power of Discovering Your Career Motivation
Understanding your Career Anchor is like having a roadmap for career success.
It helps you make decisions that align with your true motivations, leading to greater job satisfaction and long-term fulfilment.
When your career aligns with what motivates you, work becomes more meaningful, and you feel more energized and engaged.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career journey, subscribe to our email list and get weekly tips on aligning your career with your motivation, values, and strengths.