We spend a significant portion of our lives working, so it's essential to find something we love doing. But what if you're not sure what that is? Or what if you're currently in a job you hate?
Thinking about your career differently will help with this. Why not use learning at work week to start thinking about your job differently? Instead of just focusing on what pays the bills, think about what brings you joy and fulfilment. Okay, so the world doesn’t always work like that, but we can find purpose and meaning in our job; it’s just up to us to look for it. And if you can’t, then it might be time to look for another job.
This year's Learning at work week theme, Create the Future, explores how lifelong learning and development can help us all personally and collectively create our futures – from achieving life and work goals to shaping our lives that are happy and well. Starting with finding your purpose at work is a great way to think about this.
Finding purpose in your job can lead to happiness and positive change
Finding purpose in your job can make a world of difference in your happiness. Have you ever heard the story of the janitor at NASA who found purpose in his job by saying he put a man on the moon? It's a powerful reminder that no matter what job you have, you can find meaning and purpose in it.
The story goes like this - in the 1960s, President John F. Kennedy visited NASA headquarters for the first time. During his tour, he met a janitor mopping the floor and asked him what he did at NASA. The janitor's response was simple but profound - "I'm helping put a man on the moon."
Now, at first glance, you might think that the janitor's response was just a humble way of answering the President's question. But if you dig deeper, you'll see that it's much more than that. The janitor saw his job as an essential part of the mission to put a man on the moon. He didn't just see himself as a janitor - he saw himself as a crucial part of the team.
It’s not always about the job itself; it’s how you view it.
This story shows us that finding purpose in your job isn't about the job itself - it's about how you view it. The janitor didn't see himself as just someone who cleaned the floors; he saw himself as a vital team member responsible for putting a man on the moon. And because of that perspective, he found meaning and purpose in his job.
So how can we apply this lesson to our own lives? Whether you're a janitor, a teacher, a nurse, or a CEO, you can find purpose in your job by viewing it as an essential part of a larger mission. Maybe you're a teacher who sees yourself as shaping the minds of future leaders. Or a nurse who sees yourself as helping to heal people and improve their quality of life. Or a CEO who sees yourself as creating jobs and contributing to the economy.
What’s the bigger picture?
When you view your job as part of a larger mission, you'll find that it's much easier to find meaning and purpose in what you do. You'll feel like you're making a difference, no matter how small your role may seem. And that feeling of purpose can lead to greater job satisfaction, better performance, and a more fulfilling life.
Figure out what you love to do, what you’re good at and how this can work for you
Let's start with the first step - figuring out what’s important to you. This can be a tricky process, but it's essential to take some time to reflect on your values, beliefs, passions, and interests. What excites you? What do you spend your free time doing? What makes you feel fulfilled?
Once you have an idea of what you love doing and what you‘re good at, start exploring different career paths that align with those interests. Don't be afraid to think outside the box or consider something unconventional. Remember, you want to find something that brings you joy, so it doesn't have to be the typical 9-5 office job.
Here’s a handy diagram below to help you think these ideas through.
P = purpose.
Finding purpose in your job is crucial for happiness. When you feel like your job has meaning and you're making a difference, it can give you a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment. You feel like you're contributing to something bigger than yourself, which can be incredibly rewarding.
Purpose in your job can also give you a sense of direction and motivation. When you're working towards something you believe in, it's easier to stay focused and motivated, even when things get tough. It can help you push through challenges and stay committed to your goals.
Finally, finding purpose in your job can lead to a more positive outlook on life. When you're doing something you love and feel good about, it can spill over into other areas of your life. You may find yourself feeling more energised, optimistic, and confident.
Thinking about your future and about your career differently and finding purpose in your job can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. Take the time to explore your passions and interests, and don't be afraid to try something new. You never know what amazing opportunities may come your way when you start pursuing what you love.
For more information and to explore purpose and career development in your teams, take a look at our Finding Your Oomph talk. You can get in touch with doug@laughology.co.uk to find out more about this.