In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of a "sustainable career" is gaining traction. But what exactly does it mean to have a sustainable career? Simply put, a sustainable career is one that maintains your well-being, productivity, and fulfillment over the long term. It’s a career that evolves with you, adapting to changes in your life while providing you with opportunities for growth and satisfaction.

But how do you know if your career is sustainable? Here are five simple steps, each with a scale to help you evaluate your current career path. At the end, you can calculate a cumulative score to get an overall picture of your career's sustainability.

1. Assess Your Work-Life Balance

Why It Matters: A sustainable career supports a healthy work-life balance. If your job constantly invades your personal time, leaving you stressed and drained, it might not be sustainable in the long run.

How to Evaluate: Reflect on your daily routine. Are you regularly working late or on weekends? Do you have time for hobbies, family, and self-care? If your work is consistently overwhelming, it might be time to consider adjustments.

Rate your work-life balance on a scale of 1 to 5:

1 = My work consistently invades my personal life; I rarely have time for myself.
2 = My work often intrudes on my personal time, and I struggle to maintain balance.
3 = I occasionally have to sacrifice personal time for work, but I generally maintain balance.
4 = I manage to keep a good work-life balance most of the time, with minor interruptions.
5 = My work-life balance is excellent; I have ample time for personal activities.

2. Examine Your Physical and Mental Health

Why It Matters: A career that takes a toll on your health is not sustainable. Your job should contribute to your well-being, not detract from it.

How to Evaluate: Consider how your job affects your health. Are you experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or burnout? Do you have enough energy for activities outside of work? If your health is suffering, your career might be on an unsustainable path.

Rate your physical and mental health as influenced by your job on a scale of 1 to 5:

1 = My job is severely affecting my health; I feel burned out and stressed most of the time.
2 = My job negatively impacts my health, causing frequent stress or fatigue.
3 = My health is occasionally impacted by my job, but it's manageable.
4 = My job has little to no negative impact on my health; I feel generally well.
5 = My job positively influences my health; I feel energized and healthy.

3. Evaluate Your Growth Opportunities

Why It Matters: A sustainable career provides opportunities for continuous learning and growth. If you’re not evolving, your career could become stagnant, leading to dissatisfaction and burnout.

How to Evaluate: Ask yourself if you’re learning new skills, taking on new challenges, or moving toward your career goals. Does your current job offer opportunities for professional development? If not, it might be time to seek new growth opportunities.

Rate your growth opportunities on a scale of 1 to 5:

1 = My job offers no opportunities for learning or growth; I feel stagnant.
2 = My job offers limited growth opportunities, and I rarely learn new skills.
3 = My job provides some opportunities for growth, but they are infrequent.
4 = My job regularly offers opportunities for learning and development.
5 = My job is rich with growth opportunities; I am constantly learning and advancing.

4. Consider Your Financial Stability

Why It Matters: Financial stability is a cornerstone of a sustainable career. You need to ensure that your career provides you with the financial resources necessary to support your lifestyle and future goals.

How to Evaluate: Review your financial situation. Are you earning enough to cover your expenses, save for the future, and invest in yourself? If financial stress is a constant companion, it might be worth reassessing your career path.

Rate your financial stability on a scale of 1 to 5:

1 = My income is insufficient; I struggle to meet basic needs and save for the future.
2 = My income covers basic expenses, but I struggle to save or invest.
3 = My income is adequate, allowing for some savings but limited financial freedom.
4 = My income is stable, providing for savings, investments, and future security.
5 = My financial situation is excellent; I am able to save, invest, and live comfortably.

5. Reflect on Your Job Satisfaction

Why It Matters: Job satisfaction is a key indicator of career sustainability. A fulfilling job keeps you motivated and engaged, which is essential for long-term success and happiness.

How to Evaluate: Think about how satisfied you are with your job. Do you feel a sense of purpose in your work? Are you excited about your tasks and projects? If you’re feeling unfulfilled or disengaged, it might be time to explore other options.

Rate your job satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5:

1 = I am very dissatisfied with my job; I find little to no fulfillment in my work.
2 = I am generally unhappy with my job; it rarely brings me satisfaction.
3 = I am somewhat satisfied with my job; there are aspects I enjoy but also areas of discontent.
4 = I am satisfied with my job; I find it fulfilling most of the time.
5 = I am highly satisfied with my job; it brings me great fulfillment and purpose.

Your total score is: 0

Final Thoughts

Evaluating the sustainability of your career is crucial for long-term success and well-being. By taking these five simple steps, using the scales provided, and calculating your cumulative score, you can gain a clearer understanding of whether your current career path is sustainable or if it might need some adjustments. Remember, a sustainable career is not just about financial success; it’s about finding balance, maintaining health, and feeling fulfilled in your professional life. If any of these areas need improvement, don’t hesitate to make the necessary changes to create a career that truly sustains you.

Are you ready to take a closer look at your career’s sustainability? Start by assessing these key areas, calculate your cumulative score, and make the changes needed to ensure a fulfilling, balanced, and sustainable career.

References:

Kossek, E. E., Ollier-Malaterre, A., Lee, M. D., Pichler, S., & Hall, D. T. (2014). "Desperately seeking sustainable careers: Redesigning professional jobs for the collaborative crafting of reduced-load work." Journal of Vocational Behavior, 85(3), 474-486.

Hobfoll, S. E. (1989). "Conservation of resources: A new attempt at conceptualizing stress." American Psychologist, 44(3), 513-524.

De Vos, A., Van der Heijden, B. I. J. M., & Akkermans, J. (2018). "Sustainable careers: Towards a conceptual model." Journal of Vocational Behavior, 117, 103313.

Van der Heijden, B. I. J. M., & De Vos, A. (2015). "Sustainable careers: Introductory chapter." In Handbook of Research on Sustainable Careers. Edward Elgar Publishing.

Jerusel, A., & Siegrist, J. (2020). "The relationship between leisure activities and psychological well-being: Evidence from the German Socio-Economic Panel." Journal of Vocational Behavior, 117, 103317.