What is Meaningful Work?
There is so much discourse in our world about what work means, what meaningful work should mean, and how we should use it to fulfill all of our passions, hopes, and dreams. If you’ve read my recent posts, searching for life’s purpose or “no one wants to work anymore”; on the changing idea of work, you’ll know that how we think of work, meaning, and their relationship is ever-changing in society and on a personal level.
Conflicting messages are all around, from “do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” to “work to live, don’t live to work” which leaves us constantly torn. If money were no object, I’m sure many of us would travel the world, spend more time with our families, or pursue art and poetry. But, the truth is, it’s really difficult to make a living doing what you truly love to do. And for those that do, monetizing even their greatest passions will involve doing some type of administrative or marketing tasks that they just don’t enjoy.
With these two conflicting narratives comes a personal choice; pursue your passion directly through entrepreneurship, or find a fulfilling career path that allows you to use some or all of your talents?
While some might have the resources and bravery to launch their own business full-time, many of us prefer the stability and predictability of a traditional career path – myself included. In my career as an HR practitioner, I make my living facilitating the careers of others through recruitment, performance management, communications, and training, so I know a thing or two about meaningful work. Forging a path that is fulfilling is often part of our narrative around what it means to be successful in life. For those who are struggling in a dead-end or soul-draining job, let’s discuss how you can orient yourself towards a career that is more engaging, exciting, and that utilizes your skills and passions.
1. know yourself
This might be an obvious one, but before you can find work that is meaningful to you, you have to know what that might look like. There are a plethora of different ways one might feel fulfilled in their work, and each is truly individual. It’s one of the reasons HR-folk like myself love personality and career assessments that help organize the billions of unique individuals into categories and archetypes that can help them determine what kinds of work they enjoy. A few of my favorites are CliftonStrengths by Gallup, 16 Personalities Myers-Briggs test (this one is free!), the Working Genius Assessment, and this Gyfted Career Interest Profiler (also free!).
Skills and knowledge can be acquired over time, but talents and abilities are innate and unique. Identifying those talents is key to understanding how and where to find meaning and fulfillment in your career.
You’ll also want to take an inventory of your skills and experience. This can help you identify the type of job you are best suited for and can excel in, and where you might be lacking. Consider the skills you have gained through volunteering, internships, or other extracurricular activities as well.
Finally, get clear about what you value in the workplace. Do you like working independently, or collaboratively? Or do you want to pitch ideas, or execute them? Would you prefer to be surrounded by others, or work from home? Would you rather work from a computer screen, or work with your hands?
2. know the market
You want to get paid, right? Understanding the demand for your skills and abilities will ensure that you get paid for your work. Research job opportunities in your field of interest to get a good idea of what’s available and what’s in demand.
Once you have identified your strengths and interests, research different industries and positions to see where you are likely to find the best fit. Look at job boards, industry publications, and talk to professionals in your desired field(s) to gain insights about current job trends and potential job openings.
It’s also essential to keep an eye on the job market and economic trends. This can help you predict which industries and positions are likely to experience growth or decline in the future. This information can help you make better-informed career decisions and prepare for future job searches. It can also help you identify where your knowledge and skills might be lacking so you can seek further education or foundational experience if needed.
3. bulk up your resume
You might have found through your research that what you’re interested in doing requires a bit more education or skill. Most of us won’t find meaningful work in our internships or entry-level jobs. It takes some time and dedication to build our resumes enough to land the job that utilizes our talents and passions. Or maybe all you’re missing is a degree or certification, so it’s time to go back to school! If you’re missing some key credentials, be sure to set some achievable goals to work towards bettering yourself to open up your future career prospects.
Make sure you have enough knowledge, skills, and savvy to make yourself marketable for employers. You might be the most talented person on earth, but unless you have the resume to back it up, hiring managers might not be willing to take a risk on you. If you’re still trying to land and entry-level job, consider experiences you’ve had through schooling, volunteer, or personal pursuits. Anything you’ve done that can demonstrate leadership ability, customer service, or positive results is likely to give you an edge in the hiring process.
3. learn the culture
Even if you’re working your dream job, a culture mismatch can completely decimate your level of fulfillment in the workplace. Every organization has a unique culture, which is a set of shared values, behaviors, and attitudes. Culture can impact your job satisfaction, workplace relationships, and career progression. Therefore, it’s essential to learn about a company’s culture before accepting an offer.
One way to do this is to research the company’s mission, vision, and values. Check out its website, social media pages, and online reviews from current and former employees. This can give you a sense of the company’s priorities, work environment, and management style.
Another way to learn about a company’s culture is to speak with current or former employees. Reach out to your professional network or use LinkedIn to connect with people who work or have worked at the company. Ask them about their experiences, what they like and dislike about the company, and how it aligns with your values and career goals. Additionally, ask questions during the job interview to gauge the employer’s values, employee development opportunities, and openness to feedback and collaboration.
When you’re in the interview process, remember that you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. Ask questions during the job interview to gauge the employer’s values, employee development opportunities, and openness to feedback and collaboration.
I also always recommend researching your potential employers on LinkedIn or Glassdoor where previous employees leave reviews of their experiences. If you see any red flags, make sure you take them into consideration, and maybe even ask the hiring manager about them. The right employer will address your concerns in an effort to keep you interested because they see your value.
4. find a match
Finally, find a match. Use the information you’ve gathered about yourself, the market, and the industry to narrow down your job search and find job opportunities that resonate with your goals and match your unique talents and abilities.
Networking can also play a key role in finding meaningful work. Connect with individuals in your desired industry or field to obtain insights and potential job opportunities. Additionally, attending job fairs or industry-specific events can also provide a chance to network with relevant individuals.
Another important aspect is considering work-life balance. It’s important to find work that not only fulfills your passions and values but also allows for time to pursue hobbies and spend time with loved ones. A job that drains your energy and leaves no time for anything else can quickly become unfulfilling.
Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that job satisfaction extends beyond just your passions. Consider factors such as company culture, work-life balance, and growth opportunities when assessing potential job matches.
It’s important to remember that finding meaningful work is a journey and may not happen overnight. It requires effort, patience and persistence. However, the end result of finding work that aligns with one’s passions and values is well worth the effort.
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