4.

Identify the Importance and Meaning of Work

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), the founder of psychoanalysis, said, “No other technique for the conduct of life attaches the individual so firmly to reality as laying emphasis on work, for his work at least gives him a secure place in a portion of reality, in the human community.”

All of us have gifts we need to share with others. You want to do whatever it takes to be able to contribute your gifts to the world. Artists speak about their art coming through them—that they are not the source, but the vessel, and the source is some form of higher power.

As American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham (1894–1991) said, “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost....”

Doing productive work puts us into the flow of life. We help make things happen and move things forward. We are connected to and collaborating with others. Work gives our life purpose and meaning. And if it's work we enjoy doing, it gives us a reason to get up in the morning, because we know we are doing something others need. Whether that's teaching children how to add numbers, unloading freight on a dock, or serving coffee to busy travelers on their way to catch a plane, work tells us we've done some good for someone today.

So how do you identify your own gifts? You begin by noticing what it is you enjoy. What's fun for you? What kind of work would you do if money were not a factor? There may be more than one answer to these questions, and that's okay. Some people have multiple talents, and many—maybe most—of us will have more than one career in our lifetimes. Knowing this may bring some comfort if you're not sure what it is you want to do. I give you permission to not know.

Pick three fields or industries in which you are interested, are curious about, or think you might like to work in. Then start researching them. Read about them. Find the leading associations in the field. Every industry has trade associations. Do you enjoy eating potato chips? Have you ever wondered how they were made and thought you might want to become involved in that? If so, then you'll want to contact the United States Potato Board and the Snack Food Association (which publishes Snack World magazine). Most importantly, talk to people who work in—or who know someone who knows someone who works in—the field. Then meet with those people and learn from them what it's really like to work in that industry. Not the sanitized version depicted in movies and on television, but the “dirt.”

As you explore each of these fields and begin meeting people who work in them, you'll discover what stimulates you. If you find that you just can't drag yourself to another potato chip networking event but you can't wait to get to tonight's plumbers' meeting, then go in the direction you're drawn to. Say it is becoming a plumber (or anything else...insert your area of interest here); the people you meet and with whom you begin to develop professional relationships will become, as I like to say, your “new best friends.” Out of those relationships and the training you'll receive (because you'll want and need to learn more to participate more fully in that industry), you'll find work.

And remember: Don't worry about whether this opportunity is “the perfect job.” Whether it is or not, you will eventually move on. Just get to work.