Finding Purpose In Work

One of my recurring challenges over the years has been finding a sense of purpose in my work. I almost always find myself working with smart people who are really good at what they do. Being in information technology, the work has always been interesting. There were times when it was so exciting to be part of the future turning into the present. During those times, I would be at work early and lose myself in whatever I was learning. Then I would go home and work on part of the project late into the night.

As time went on, there were fewer exciting things happening at work. Things became predictable enough that I had time to think about the meaning of work beyond politics and urgent projects. I took on different responsibilities in order to add new skills and create new value. I moved within the organization, trying to determine where I might finally feel as if I belonged.

One cold, November day, I was sitting in my first real office — with a door that closed and walls that went all the way to the ceiling — and realized I was exhausted again. The day had barely started. Yet I wanted to go home. I wanted to be able to leave and never come back. I kept asking why I was doing this to myself every day. At the same time, I felt guilty for not appreciating a job other people would have taken gladly.

What was wrong with me?

Any time I am in a bad mood for more than a day or two, I know it is because I have started repeating a disempowering belief. With work, it usually involved money at first. Maybe I wasn’t being paid enough. Maybe there had been no raises for a couple of years, budgets were tight, everyone was doing more with less, and I was doing more with no recognition. Repeat that a few times every five minutes and tell me how you feel. I felt terrible. And I was great at tweaking the downward spiral until I was an exhausted, defeated mess.

What was my purpose?

In the midst of dreading another day of too much work, not enough recognition, and no options for improving the situation, my coach asked me what I thought my purpose was. Rather quickly, this helped me spend less time on the downward spiral. Instead of being solely about money, work became an opportunity to help people again. Nothing changed at work except me. I changed. I didn’t leap out of bed wondering what amazing thing I would do at work every day, but I stopped dreading the walk to my building. I had a purpose. I was helping people.

Finding your purpose

Keep this simple. Your purpose is something that evolves and refines itself over time. It isn’t something you figure out one day and are stuck with if you don’t like it. I did not learn this for years, but you do not so much find your purpose as you choose it. I will explain that more in a later article.

For now, ask yourself what your purpose might be at work. Most work is about helping. We help people, animals, plants, oceans, and the planet. We make something better. Often we make something feel better or work better. When you are having a good day at work, how are you making things better? For now, that is your purpose at work.