Work – A Manifesto
How do you view work? Is it drudgery? A chore? A burden that must be accepted?
Work matters. And how you view work will influence much of your life and the degree to which you enjoy it. Have you written down your Work View? I encourage you to do so. It can be quite enlightening. Below is my work view.
The distinction between ‘work’ and ‘life’ is artificial because so much of my life is spent at work. Thus, it’s imperative that my work has meaning.
Work is the process of creating worth. Labor produces value and isn’t just a means to an end, but helps give life purpose and structure. Work should have meaning because work involves identity. I need to bring my whole true self to work not just a portion of me — and my job should never define my identity. Work also has meaning because it reflects and should honor the Creator.
However, work isn’t life. It’s a means of making a life.
My ideal work is at the intersection of what I like doing, what I am good at doing, and for what I get paid. My goal is for those three things to intermingle more.
Work is about learning. Learning is never complete and I have a responsibility and desire to make sure I’m always learning.
My job will often require me to do what needs to be done as well as what I enjoy doing. However, if my employer/customer prevents me from being productive in an ethical way, I will not ‘sell my soul’ to continue working in that environment. My situation may not allow me to quit immediately, but I refuse to resign myself to a work life that isn’t coherent with my beliefs. I will endure in the short term to prosper in the long term.
I choose to work by a higher standard. Doing work well is a choice I make — to do less than my best cheats not only my employer/customer, but me. I do not control how others act, but I completely control how I act. When others act improperly around or to me, I will respond professionally, but will not accept nor condone the inappropriate behavior. I won’t let the poor attitudes and/or behaviors of others influence or determine my own decisions.
Need help vocalizing your purpose? We can help!
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