Life is more than a job and a paycheck. It is true that most people have to do jobs that are not necessarily meaningful or inspiring to earn a living, but our true nature doesn’t change. We all need to feel that we are contributing to something greater than us. If we don’t find that at work, we look for it in family, religion or community. But wouldn’t it be better if we could find that at work, where we spend the majority of our lives?
We are all different, so if you are looking to find work that is truly fulfilling to you, you have to begin by defining what work means to you. You may be looking for financial security, or intellectual stimulation, or the opportunity to be creative, help others, explore the unknown, build something from nothing, be in nature or anything else. The answers are plentiful, as are the paths to get there. But it always begins with introspection and self-knowledge.
Think about work as you would think about designing a building, or a car, or something interesting to you. Be curious, ask questions, try out different jobs. Nothing is boring to everyone. It won’t happen overnight, but if you transform your search for meaningful work into a mission, in time you will find the answer to this life-changing question.
Start by thinking of all the things you get from work. Make a list. Think beyond financial compensation. Add the things you are missing that you care about. Look for ways to incorporate them into your current work or chart a path to create your future work.
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