WORK NEEDS A BETTER REASON THAN MONEY

This is yesterday's post.

It's all about finding your passion - finding out what it is that you want to do with your life and then finding the right kind of employment to fit that passion.

Work needs a better reason than money
John Mullins

16 May 2007 at 11h00

Have you ever asked yourself why you work? As much as this question appears futile and hollow, the more you ask it, the more it appears intriguing, well at least to me that is.

It reminds me of the story of the priest who visits three stonecutters who are busy with the building of a cathedral. He asks the first what he's doing, and the man replies: "I am cutting stone." He asks the second, who says he is busy making money. Finally he asks the third, who replies: "I'm building a cathedral." The point of this story is that each person has a different perspective of their work. We all do the same thing actually. Each of us will see our jobs and work in different ways. Some of us will see the task in front of us as the reason for working. Others will see the job and work as a means to a different end, like making money. Others will see an even bigger picture. Perhaps linking their work to leaving a legacy, or contributing to a bigger cause out there. Whatever the perspective, the fact is, it affects how much commitment and motivation you show in the job.

Whether you are just starting out on a career path, changing jobs or firmly entrenched in your current role, the truth is that you need to understand how you think and feel about your work. Although it's been some time now, I do remember quite clearly when I first started working - I had a lot more hair on my head, as well as truck loads of enthusiasm. There was one small problem though. I didn't really spend much time asking why I wanted to work in that particular job. I didn't even wonder where my career would take me. I was just happy to get a job, and felt more moved by the fact that I was earning some money, rather than by what my work actually meant.

It didn't take too long for me to realise that the first job I took was not the one I really wanted. Although my early enthusiasm kept me going for a few months, eventually I found it hard to get excited about the task.

There are basically three routes to take from here. In my case I did the most common thing. I became irritated with work, I started fighting with my boss, and eventually I moved on and found another job. The other routes you can take are, to boldly accept your fate and merely carry on emotionally separating work from the rest of your life, numbing the pain you feel when you wake up on a Monday morning. Although this is also quite a common route to follow, it is one of the most disastrous and unsustainable. Finally, you could follow a path where you stand back and explore what makes this job truly special. It's where you begin to connect with the bigger picture and learn to embrace your contribution towards that. It is where you need to learn to open yourself up to feel satisfaction within your unique effort and you begin to understand that your role is an important one.In my mind, no person or situation should be more important than the job itself.

The reason is that jobs should be noble deeds that we carry out for the good of others or society. In a capitalist world, your job should still contribute to a worthy cause, not just to line someone's pocket. If, however, you find your boss, or a particular situation becoming more important than your job, it could be a warning sign that you should get out. It means, your role is either expendable or that there is little chance that people attach any importance to what you're doing.

Okay so this is where your challenge lies. You are the one who needs to see the importance in what you're doing and convince others of the same. If not, maybe that will guide you to the next route to follow.

Contact John Mullins on Johnmullins@peoplefutures.com