46 - Align Your Career Goals with Your Financial Goals

Let’s face it - money plays a massive role in how we make career decisions. Whether it is paying off debt, saving for a big dream, or simply maintaining your lifestyle, your finances and career are deeply intertwined. But here’s the thing - so many people jump from job to job or chase promotions without really thinking about whether their career and financial goals align. That’s how you can end up “successful” on paper but still feeling stuck or unfulfilled.

I have stuck in some jobs for fear of losing financial stability, and I have left others with little idea of what the future holds - despite having two children to care for and bills to pay. It can be scary! But so is staying stuck in a job or career that is draining the life out of you.

The best thing you can do, is to get clear on what your dream life looks like and how your career can aid you in achieving it.

So, are your career moves supporting your vision of your dream life? Or are you just floating along, hoping the numbers will work themselves out?

If you are not sure, don’t worry - today I break it down for you step by step...

Step 1: Get Clear on What You Want In Life

Before we talk numbers, let’s zoom out. What do you actually want your life to look like? Take money out of the equation for a second and think about:

• The kind of lifestyle you want to have

• What a “good day” at work feels like for you

• The impact you want to make through your career

Now bring money back into the picture. What’s the cost of the life you want? It’s time to get real about your finances. For example, if traveling the world is your dream, have you factored in the income required to make that happen? If you value flexibility, are you willing to trade a higher salary for fewer hours or remote work options?

These aren’t easy questions, but they are essential. I often see people chasing roles that offer a pay check but don’t align with their deeper goals - and eventually, the cracks start to show.

Step 2: Understand Your Money Mindset

Let’s talk about your relationship with money. Are you someone who clings to every penny, or do you spend it as fast as you earn it? Maybe you have never thought about it at all.

Your money mindset impacts how you approach your career. For example:

• If you’re risk-averse, you might stay in a comfortable role even when a better opportunity is calling.

• If you value security, you might prioritise a steady paycheck over pursuing a big dream.

• If you’re a spender, you might need to rethink whether your current lifestyle is sustainable for the long haul.

Be honest with yourself here. Reflecting on your habits and beliefs about money can help you make more informed career choices.

I am a bit of all three! I value security, so that is my priority and so I ensure I am saving and investing for my future. However, it is also important to enjoy life today, so we travel and do cool things all the time such as Rally School – yep I did that as it was on my vision board for forever. We are getting better at budgeting for these things by thinking well in advance of what we would like to do, if I had my way we wouldn't spend on anything and there is no fun in that right!

My point, be intentional. Save for your future, and have affordable fun today. If that means no new Mercedes Benz so you can purchase your first investment property...

Step 3: Evaluate Your Current Career’s Financial Potential

Now that you’ve got some clarity, let’s assess where you are right now. Ask yourself:

• Does my current salary support my short- and long-term financial goals?

• Are there opportunities to grow (e.g., promotions, salary increases)?

• Is this career path sustainable, or will I hit a ceiling?

If the answer to these questions isn’t what you hoped for, don’t panic. The good news is, this is where a career strategy comes in. You are not stuck - you just need a plan!

Step 4: Make Career Moves with Intention

Here is where most people go wrong: they chase the first job with a higher salary, thinking it will solve all their problems. Spoiler alert - it usually doesn’t and within a few months you could be feeling unfulfilled and miserable all over again.

Instead, focus on making intentional moves that align with both your career and financial goals LONG TERM. For example:

• If you are looking for more income, can you negotiate a raise or pick up a side hustle that complements your skills?

• If flexibility is key, are there industries or roles where remote work is the norm?

• If long-term growth matters, are you building skills that will increase your earning potential down the road?

This isn’t about chasing the biggest pay cheque. It is about aligning your values, lifestyle, and career path so you are not just working for money, but building a life that feels right for you.

Step 5: Keep Checking In

Life changes, and so do your goals. What works for you today might not work a year from now, and that is okay. The key is to keep reassessing. Check in with yourself regularly: Are your career choices still supporting your financial goals? Are you moving closer to the life you want?

An example is if you were offered a promotion - salary aside, would you be happy with the added expectations of the new role? Or does it not work for you?

Top Tip – Add a repeating alert in your calendar to remind you to reassess your finance goals and health.

You Wont Regret Taking The Time
When your career goals and financial goals align, everything feels more intentional. Yes it may take some time to get it right, but even having your plan to get there will feel a hell of a lot better that aimlessly moving through life worrying.

Remember, this process takes time, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to start. You deserve a career that not only pays the bills but also fuels your dreams.

Let me know – what action will you be taking today?

Always with love,
Elsa x