Why do you do the work you do?
“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace – a soul generated by love.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
If you’d prefer, you can watch the video here.
We’re often asked in job interviews, ‘why do you want this job?’, or ‘what interests you about this role?’
Whenever I’ve applied for a job or piece of freelance work I really wanted, I’ve said something along the lines of, ‘I feel like this is where I belong’.
When we find the work we are meant to do, the type of service we want to offer, or the place we feel we have something deep and genuine to give, I think there’s a sense of belonging; a feeling that we have been guided to that job, or type of work, or role, for a reason.
Some people feel this very deeply, as a calling, perhaps even a mission. For some it might be the feeling of fitting in, of finding a place where you feel you can make a real contribution by being your true self.
I’ve felt that sense of belonging with two very different types of work in my career; one where I often spent days unpacking and building computers and hardware; a technical role that, in my 20s, suited me much better than being made to sit at a desk all day. Then my freelance work in the charity sector, where I feel so privileged to have met so many inspirational people, witnessed so much good work being done, and been surrounded by optimism for a better, happier and healthier future.
In thinking about why you do the work you do, or if you feel you haven’t yet found your calling, your mission, or what you might consider your life’s work, it can be interesting to consider questions such as:
What type of activities make you lose track of time?
What do people most often ask for your help with?
In which situation have you felt like you belong?
In speaking to people who are doing the work they are made for, there is also often an element of motivation. They know their ‘why’ and that’s what drives them, keeps them going and enables them to achieve seemingly impossible results.
In my work, I meet people who have started charities and social enterprises and community groups - their why is very often connected to a challenge, problem or issue they have experienced or overcome. There’s an overwhelming feeling of finding the silver lining and taking some positive action out of sadness or disaster or hardship.
I’m not suggesting we all need to have overcome a life-changing event to go on and do good, but considering the challenges and difficulties we all experience in life can be an interesting way to uncover those often hidden strengths and skills we may not have consciously thought about.
Think about a challenge that you have experienced or overcome, what did you learn about yourself?
How could you use those skills and strengths to help others?
I’d love to know why you do the work you do.
Add your answer to the those I’m collecting here.
Rachel x