finding work that fits who you truly are
How do you know if the work you’re doing is the right fit for you? Journalist Farai Chideya offers a practical framework to answer this question — one that goes beyond titles, salaries, or external expectations. She believes that true career satisfaction starts with being honest about what you’re optimizing for.
Farai’s work-life matrix asks you to reflect on four core questions to uncover your unique work archetype. First, do you value risk or security? Some people thrive on uncertainty and high stakes, while others perform best when they feel stable and grounded. Second, are you driven by impact or income? This clarifies whether making a difference or earning a certain financial level motivates your choices more deeply. Third, do you prioritise innovation or tradition? Understanding whether you love to build new things or refine existing systems is crucial. Finally, do you prefer independent contribution or teamwork? Some find joy in solo creation and decision-making, while others gain energy from close collaboration.
These questions reveal patterns in your personality, preferences, and work style. Farai calls this your work archetype — an internal compass that can guide every career decision. For example, if you’re in a stable, well-paying role but feel unfulfilled, perhaps you’re someone who values innovation and impact over security and income. Or, if you constantly seek start-up opportunities but feel drained, you might truly prefer structured teamwork in established organisations.
Knowing your archetype prevents the common mistake of chasing careers that impress others but clash with your true nature. It also explains why a dream job on paper can become a nightmare in reality if it contradicts what energises you at the deepest level.
Ultimately, Farai reminds us that career satisfaction isn’t about following someone else’s blueprint. It’s about aligning your work with who you really are — your risk appetite, your definition of meaning, and your natural way of operating in the world. Only by understanding these dimensions honestly can you find work that doesn’t just pay the bills, but lights you up every day.
