How to Find Purpose and Meaning in Your Work.

Most people don’t see the connection between the words meaningful and work. We are encouraged to choose a career based on the chance for financial stability rather than an opportunity for chasing our passions and dreams.

Finding a job you love is believed to be reserved only for the lucky few who are either incredibly talented or wealthy. It is no wonder that job satisfaction is low, regardless of the work position. But there is no reason why financial stability and job satisfaction should be mutually exclusive. After all, you have probably been excited about your job when you first got it, but the passion faded away eventually.

Here are some tips that will help you re-discover that spark that first got you knocking to your company’s door and feel enthusiastic about what you are doing once again.

 
All jobs have a purpose
Maybe it seems to you that all you do every day is filing some papers or writing down numbers in columns, but what’s the ultimate goal of what you and your coworkers are doing? Perhaps all those numbers together turn out to be the analyses of the national health or something similar. Think about that when you enter the company premises and try not to dread the moment you start doing your job, because if your part of the job isn’t done, how is the complete puzzle going to look like?
Invest some effort
Are you among the 13% of employees who are engaged at work? I don’t think so, otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this article. By being psychologically committed to your job, you are more likely to be making positive contributions to your organization. Because you spend so much of your time working (35-40 hours a week), work makes a substantial part of your life and affects every aspect of it. That’s why you should make an effort to boost your productivity and be more dedicated to what you do. Of course, if you feel like your work isn’t appreciated, you should try communicating your concerns with your managers.
Workplace relationships as the foundation for satisfaction
If there is one thing that kept me at my previous job, which was hideous, by the way, those were my fantastic colleagues. They always knew how to brighten my day, and every time when I considered quitting. Now imagine if the work isn’t actually that bad and you have wonderful coworkers – that’s the dream. According to a Gallup survey, about 30% of employees said that they have a best friend in the office. The survey also reported that more than half (51%) of those who said they have a best friend at work stated that they work with enthusiasm and feel a connection to the company, compared to 10% of those who have no office pall. So, give it a shot, invite your colleagues for a beer or movies after the work hours and try to form meaningful connections.
Be more than you are right now
If your current work position is not challenging or interesting enough for you that doesn’t mean you’ll stay at it forever. Most of the businesses give their employees a chance to grow and learn and thus move up the corporate ladder. Growth is a meaningful factor in employee engagement because it is a universal human need and people tend to deliver their best when it is required.
Have a side project
If your regular job is making you desperate, there is no reason not to quit. However, if your resignation comes out of the blue, you need to be ready for months, maybe even years of searching for another job which will be good for you both financially and mentally. It would be better to try working something outside your regular work hours, maybe even creating a business plan for developing your startup company. When leaving your job, it is best to have a safety net to save you from the fall.
Don’t be afraid to say goodbye
There are many reasons why people are afraid of quitting their jobs. Some of the most prominent ones are loyalty to your employer and colleagues and insecurity regarding the direction of your career from that point. However, if your job is making you miserable, and if you have tried all of the above to find purpose and meaning in what you do, but failed, there is no other solution but leaving. Here are some tips that will help you face those fears.

Give an early notice.
Be a good employee until the very day of your leaving.
Understand your strengths and weaknesses before embarking on the search for new employment.
Do thorough research about companies you are interested in.
Attend networking events to meet people from other companies.
Practice meeting new people to overcome the fear of being “the new kid on the block” in your new workplace.

I know how dreadful it can be when your job doesn’t fulfill you anymore. I wore those shoes for a long time. So I learned that the most important question to ask yourself in these situations is: “Is the problem in the job, or in you”. If the problem lies in the job, then you should move on. But before you wave goodbye and say “It’s not you, it’s me”, you should give your company one more chance and try the strategies mentioned in the article to find meaning and purpose in your work. Good luck!

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