By Kristen Beilinson

As I look back on the months prior to my graduation from UCLA, I vividly remember a looming sense of uneasiness getting in the way of what should have been an exciting time for me. That uneasiness stemmed from one simple, but important question: “What on Earth am I going to do next”?

I loved my college and my major — the career possibilities seemed endless, and yet, I somehow found it impossible to choose the best path for myself. I had spent past summers interning in Public Relations, a field that I believed to be my true passion. However, as graduation approached, I realized that I would not feel fulfilled working full-time in the PR industry.

I admit, it was difficult being surrounded by friends who had full time jobs lined up post-graduation. Although I ended up taking a job at a local restaurant in order to pay rent, I was able to use that time to figure out exactly what I wanted in a future career.

Here are my 4 essentials for finding a fulfilling career:

1. Financial security:

Earning a lot of money won’t make me love a career that is a bad fit for me, but living in Los Angeles is not cheap! Needless to say, being financially independent and supporting my own lifestyle is very important and empowering to me.

2. Positive work environment:

Work environment and culture can greatly influence how we feel about our job. Surrounding myself with supportive co-workers who want to help each other succeed and have a growth mindset is crucial. It makes me look forward to coming to work everyday!

3. Feeling valued:

Knowing that what I do on a daily basis matters is very fulfilling to me. I enjoy every moment of helping people reach their professional goals that are going to not only change their career, but change their life. Whenever you can find somebody a job they’re a perfect fit for, with a company that they really like, that’s where it all comes together!

4. Opportunity for growth:

The day you stop learning is the day you stop living! A position where you’re encouraged to grow your individual skills and strengths, and advance in your field with the support of your employer, manager, or coworkers is also important. This can help you find contentment in your job. It’s easy to become bored when you are unchallenged or not able to acquire new skills that will help guide you in life or a future career.

Once I decided that I wanted these 4 qualities in a job, my search became clearer and easier. Fast forward exactly 1 year, I have finally started on a journey that allows me to listen to people’s stories and help driven individuals become their own boss — recruiting! Figure out exactly what it is that YOU need and allow yourself to be your OWN version of success. All it takes is pushing yourself to live your life according to your values, not someone else’s.