Working for Satisfaction

A real issue nowadays, I believe, is that work has become something you do to earn money to live.

Don't get me wrong, I have built a great career for myself and am doing very well and enjoy it. I enjoy the satisfaction of doing a good job. Of working on bigger and better projects, of climbing that ladder and getting that next pay rise. Its almost like a game. But when I ask myself if I love working in my chosen field, if I get a sense of satisfaction and sense of fulfillment from it, the answer is no.

Why did I choose my current career path? Because I knew I had to make money, but I wanted the opportunity to help people, and make the world a better place. Sounds cheesy but thats how it is. Do I actually achieve that at work? Well I make money. But do I really help people and make the world a better place. No. Could I? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe if I worked in a different company, for a local authority instead of as a consultant. Maybe if I worked for a not for profit company. There are options. But the bigger question is, is that the best way to help people, and for me to be happy. Again, maybe not.

Even bigger than that though is why the focus on working for money? Because thats how it is. Because thats how society is, you cant survive without money. You have to pay the bills, the mortgage or rent, power and phone, buy food. But also you need money to drive your car, to buy that $200 dress that you will look great in at work, to have the latest tv, go out for dinner, keep up with the Jones's, whatever it is you 'need' to be happy. But does it make you happy? It doesn't make me happy.

I read a book by Eric Brende called Better off: Flipping the Switch on Technology. Basically he asked himself if technology was actually making life worse for us and went to live with an Amish community for a year to see. What he learnt in that year was very interesting and really gave me something serious to think about. One of the things that stood out was that while they were working really hard, hard physical labor as well, the work was a social interaction. Before long the work wasn't really work, it was just living. But you did it with your family, your community. Everyone worked together for the common good. I suggest you read the book to get a better understanding of it rather than rely on my poor attempt at explaining it. But why don't we do that anymore? Money tends to make everyone so individualistic and selfish.

A part of my slowing down aims are to minimise the amount of money I need to survive. Or really rationalise what I do with my money and only use it for things I really need or that will really make my life better and that way minimise the amount I need. At the same time finding ways to earn that money by doing fulfilling and enjoyable work. What a challenge I have set myself.