In a recent LinkedIn post, Justin Welsh discusses the critical role of personal energy as a compass for identifying fulfilling work. He argues that while many chase external validation or financial gain, the true indicator of alignment lies in whether an activity energizes or drains an individual.
Welsh emphasizes that this internal energy signal is often overlooked, leading people to pursue careers or projects that, despite their perceived benefits, leave them feeling exhausted. He posits that intrinsic motivation and passion are directly linked to this energetic feedback loop.
Energy doesn’t lie. Listen to it. When something is right for you, it will give you energy. That’s how you know. Not because it’s easy. Not because it’s comfortable. But because it lights you up!
The author contrasts experiences that align with one’s energy with those that deplete it. He shares his personal journey of starting to write online, noting that despite the initial challenges and lack of expertise, the process itself was energizing.
The Energy Signal in Action
Welsh draws a stark comparison between his current work and his past corporate experiences. He describes corporate tasks as consistently draining, highlighting the difference in energy output despite similar effort levels.
According to Welsh, the key distinction is not the difficulty of the task, but whether it resonates with one’s core being. He observes that many individuals ignore this fundamental signal, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction.
Compare that to corporate. Every email felt heavy. Every meeting drained me. Every project took more than it gave. Same effort. Different energy. One was right for me. One wasn’t.
He further elaborates on this point, suggesting that if current work is consistently draining, it might indicate a misalignment with one’s true calling or purpose.
Identifying Misaligned Work
Welsh points out that the allure of high pay or external prestige can often mask a fundamental lack of energetic return. This leads individuals to invest significant time and effort into endeavors that ultimately deplete their vital energy reserves.
As Justin Welsh notes, the common mistake is to prioritize external factors like salary or societal approval over the internal feeling of being energized by one’s work. He advocates for a conscious effort to tune into this internal feedback mechanism.
If you’re doing work that drains you, maybe it’s not your work.
He uses his own experience as a testament to this principle. The act of writing, even when difficult and imperfect, provided a sustained sense of energy that propelled him forward. This is contrasted with his previous corporate roles where even standard tasks felt like a significant energy drain.
Actionable Insights for Career Alignment
Welsh suggests that recognizing this energy signal is the first step towards finding work that is not only sustainable but also deeply fulfilling. He encourages readers to pay close attention to how different activities make them feel.
For those seeking a change, Welsh implicitly suggests exploring avenues that ignite passion and provide a sense of purpose. He subtly references his own success and the success of others who have used his methodologies to find such work.
If you’re ready to build something that gives you energy instead of taking it, 45,000+ students (including 200+ LinkedIn Top Voices) used the LinkedIn Operating System to find work that feels right, talk about it, and grow an audience that cares about it.
In conclusion, Welsh’s post serves as a powerful reminder from a seasoned entrepreneur and content creator that true career satisfaction is often found by listening to one’s internal energetic compass, rather than solely relying on external metrics of success.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Justin Welsh on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on November 3, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →