We all know those people who seem to have exciting careers that are chock-full of purpose. I suppose it’s easy to enviously consider other professions to be more fulfilling or more critical or more “this” or more “that.” Some people even do life-or-death work, and it’s easy to see the important consequences of those kinds of occupations. However, most people have jobs that fall somewhere in the middle. As a result, some might think the work they do is uninspiring or even unimportant. But know this: finding purpose in work can happen in any setting.
In social work, employees often talk about serving humanity and contributing to the greater good. I mean, it’s right there in the name: social. We are here to help and serve people. But thinking about how a job positively impacts other people doesn’t need to be limited to my line of work. If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that so many jobs matter. Really matter. When times get tough, we quickly realize the vital role grocery store employees play. We find a new appreciation for truckers and dock workers, garbage/refuse workers and janitors, and internet and cell phone customer service workers. Can you imagine the past two years without HULU, Netflix, etc.?! These people showed up and continue to show up to keep the world functioning. Never has the value of every kind of work been so apparent.
All Work has Purpose and Higher Meaning
Defining the purpose of our jobs and identifying the good it brings to us, those around us, and the world is a vital part of staying motivated, joyful, and driven. Understanding and appreciating the importance and purpose of an occupation is a big part of loving a job and doing it well. When we’re unsure what role we play in making lives better, it helps to ask these questions.
How do I Help People?
Whether you work with customers or work alone at home, your job is part of a bigger story. What you do helps people. But who are you helping? Ask, how am I making other people’s lives better? Will my end customer, whether that’s a social work client, a patient, a new home buyer, or a customer at a grocery store, get more, have a better experience, or find something that they or their family needs because I helped make it happen in some way?
Will my Efforts Help Co-Workers?
Many employees are part of a team. In a team, each person’s performance affects the success of those around them. Will your best efforts help make your team, supervisor, or division also become more successful? Are you doing your best to support others? Are you helping to achieve common, greater good goals?
How Does My Company Make the World Work Better?
It’s not always easy to see why any single company makes the world a better place. But all companies exist to serve a need. Does your employer make the world more safe, efficient, warm, clean, etc.? What would happen if your company just disappeared? Would that cause hardships for suppliers, customers, clients, or coworkers? How many families depend on your company’s success to; buy food, clothe families, and keep a roof over their heads?
Do I Find Rewarding Relationships at Work?
Some find lifelong friends at work. Others are just happy to get a friendly greeting in the morning. Either way, we form relationships and bonds at work, which is good for our mood and mental health. So, even if your job description does not inspire you per se, appreciate the people around you and lean into the social nature of working. Look for friends. Seek out mentors. Or be a mentor and help others succeed.
Can I use my Skills to Help Others?
Any position requires some learning. Maybe you learned how to bake bread, clean windows, or use Excel. How are you able to share that knowledge or use those skills to make the lives of others better? Could you help clean the local rec center? Could you cook some food and deliver it to a shelter? Could you teach computer skills to seniors? Most of the skills learned at any job can also be utilized to make your home, neighborhood, and community a better place.
Embrace Your Higher Purpose
Sure, you could go to a job and get through the day with your head down, doing just what is needed to get by. Or you could reevaluate your work and think about how your job helps others. We can all enjoy the camaraderie of coworkers and actively participate in making work more enjoyable, more productive, and even more fun. Smile. Laugh. Maybe bake some of that bread and bring it to the office to share. You’d be mighty appreciated…
Every job has value, and all work has dignity. What you bring to your work is the cherry on top. When we find the higher purpose in our work, that new perspective creates a positive ripple effect that keeps on giving.