Most of us want work that’s meaningful: We want to feel that our jobs make a difference to other people and that we are contributing to the greater good.
How to Find Meaning When Your Job Feels Meaningless
Amidst a rapidly spreading and deadly virus, a global economic crisis, and civil and political unrest that’s ripping at the fabric of society, it’s hard to feel inspired about much of anything these days — let alone your job. But while it’s understandable now to feel that your work has lost its purpose, rekindling it ought to be a top priority. What can you do to shift your perspective? Reflect on what you care about and what motivates you. Think about why you wanted to work at your organization in the first place. Remind yourself how the work you do affects others. You don’t need to be curing diseases or saving endangered species for your work to have meaning. Reflect on the projects that invigorate you, and consider the interesting problems your organization is tackling. Look, too, for ways that your purpose can be personal. You might, for instance, coach a younger employee or help a member of your team who’s struggling. Putting yourself forward even in small ways can be replenishing.