Meaning in work

As Christians, we don’t always approach our work in a very
integrated way and to my mind; I think it’s because we do not
have the know-how. Our discipleship system does not offer much
practical help.


Some people will tell you that some jobs are more meaningful than
others, so start by finding a meaningful job. There is some truth
to this. Research suggests that when jobs provide the following
benefits or opportunities, people find it easier to experience
meaning:


• Autonomy, the freedom to try out your own ideas.


• A chance to use your skills.


• A sense of how your work contributes to a tangible product or
service you can identify.


• Co-workers who enjoy and value their work, and with whom you
get along.


• A leader who sets a clear vision that you value, who lives out
that vision, who expresses genuine concern about you, who
encourages you to take risks and solve problems creatively, who
gives you confidence, and who expands your goals.


• An organizational mission that fits with what you value.


If you have a job that provides all or most of these things,
count yourself privileged. If you have a chance to move into a
position that gets you closer to this, you should seriously
consider taking it. But for many people, simply finding a better
job is not a realistic option. Lots of people spend their careers
job-hopping in search of the perfect position that likely doesn’t
exist.


What things should we do to find or make our work more
meaningful? Take a listen.