Meaningful Work

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”   Steve Jobs.

Tram Driver at Work

I had been in the workforce for several years before I found my work passion. It was meant to be a part-time job during the weekend, to help support my young family. From the very first night I was connected with the job, the hours flew by. The taxi belonged to my father-in-law who had been in business for several years. Little did I know that becoming a part-time taxi driver would be a part of my permanent work life for decades to come.

Work and Purpose

Engaging in meaningful work can give one’s life direction and help contribute to something larger than themselves. Whether that's supporting your family, building a business or advancing a charitable cause. Work fosters personal growth and challenges us to learn new skills, solve problems and adapt to change.

To me work and purpose are the same. You work to achieve a goal, for yourself, your family and for your community. You work to improve your personal space, by saving to buy your own home or to travel, or to indulge your hobbies, to build relationships. All of these goals are achievable because you work. Work is a necessity but in and of itself it is also a purpose.

Through work, people develop resilience, discipline and confidence. Qualities that enrich every aspect of life. Socially, work is a powerful connector, it brings people together and encourages collaboration. Work creates opportunities to form lasting business relationships and networks.

Work as Identity

Work is a source of personal pride and identity. In all its positive forms work fulfillment is expressed in mastering a craft, mastering a profession, in helping others or in leaving a legacy for others to build upon, should they choose to. Even when work is difficult or routine, you can still provide a sense of security and stability for yourself and your family. Work anchors us during uncertain times.

Work and Change

Of course, the meaning and value of work are deeply personal and can change throughout life. For some it is a steppingstone to other dreams. For others it is mundane, simply a nine to five job to help ends meet. Ultimately, we work not just to live, but to grow, to connect and find meaning in the world around us.

Meaningful Work

Meaningful work is work that aligns with your personal values and passions. Work is a sense of purpose; your efforts impact your life and those you love. It goes beyond earning a wage or salary, its survival for yourself and your family. At its core, meaningful work is your personal identity and the reasons why you work, be it to pay the rent or the mortgage, payments for the car loan, to cover family funeral costs. Whatever the reason you work, all of it is valid for meaningful work.