An Ode to Work

My 2-year-old grandson loves working.  He stacks up blocks so he can knock them down and build them again.  He puts rocks in his toy dump truck so he can tip them out and fill up again.  He puts the pretend food from the play kitchen in his little grocery cart, then lines it up on the sofa so he can "shop" all over again.

Of course, he's playing, not working, but what he's emulating is work.  The siren sounds that accompany the toy fire truck are "hurrying to stop the fire."  Even putting stuffed animals down for their "nap" and then waking them up to "feed" them is a copy of the work his mom does.

For many of us, however, work isn't something we seem to enjoy.  How many complaints have you (or a coworker) made about Monday morning?  How many times have you wished for (or rejoiced at) Friday afternoon?  How many weekend chores have you complained about?  All of these behaviors are common, and even expected in our culture.  We're not supposed to like working, and many of us don't.

Want proof?

• According to the latest Gallup poll, more American workers than ever are disengaged.  The situation is actually worse in western Europe.
• The 4-Hour Workweek spent 4 years on the New York Times bestseller list, was translated into 40 languages, and sold over 2 million copies.
• Many people define early retirement as their dream.

Obviously, a lot of us see work as a necessary evil.

Why is work important?

I've known some people who found delight and fulfillment in their work, and those people invariably enriched the lives of others.  I'm thinking specifically of my father (a restaurant manager), a couple of pastors, and several teachers, including my own husband.  I currently work about 30 hours a week writing because I enjoy it and feel it helps others.

Work is important, especially if you're doing something that uses and develops your talents and serves other people.  When you work hard and do it well, it can be a great benefit to society.

If you've chosen a minimalist lifestyle, as I have, you are probably content owning less, which means you could live comfortably while earning less.  So what's the point of hard work if it isn't to make as much money as possible (especially if the work you do is unpaid)?

5 reasons to pursue work as part of a minimalist life

1.  Work enables personal development.

No matter what kind of work you do – in an office, a classroom, a lab, a restaurant or retail establishment, on a building site, on a movie set, caring for children at home, whatever – you're going to develop.  Whether that means learning new skills, honing your talents, developing creative ideas, or practicing patience, attentiveness, responsibility, self-control, determination, or problem-solving, it's valuable.  It makes you a better, more accomplished person.  These lessons serve us in all areas of life, and help make us the finest versions of ourselves.

2.  Work benefits others.

This holds true whether you perform surgery or help someone find the right part to fix their car.  Yes, some types of work are more respected than others.  That probably says more about our society's worship of fame, wealth, and luxury than it does about the actual value of different kinds of work.  I have more reason to appreciate a knowledgeable plumber or attentive day care provider than a star basketball player, no matter how much money and acclaim go to the latter.

Your work is essential to someone.  Thank you.

3.  Work makes the most of time.

Time passes, no matter what we do.  Why not fill the hours with something valuable that brings benefit to you and to others?  I'm not suggesting that we should never rest or take time for ourselves, just that a life filled with idleness isn't any more balanced than one of overwork.

4.  Work is an example to your kids.

When we strive to do our best work, our kids take notice.  My kids know how hard their dad has worked to be the most effective teacher possible.  They've heard me spend hours vocalizing, studying, and practicing music.  By their own experience, they've learned how much effort it takes to do well in school, earn a degree, and work at various jobs.  In fact, most teachers agree that hardworking students are more successful at reaching academic and career goals, regardless of their natural intellect.

Today, my daughter works hard to be a good mom to her sons, and my son works hard to care for his massage clients.  They offer the best they have, and I'm sure they learned to do that through years of watching Jon and I, their grandparents, and other adults in their lives.

5.  Work is fulfilling.

There are few things more satisfying than completing a job and knowing you did it well.  I'm aware that not everyone has the opportunity to work in a good environment or to see the final results of their labors.  So those people might need to look for enjoyment in preparing a good meal for their family, taking good care of a garden or a pet, or some other valuable task that brings them pleasure and pride.

How to be happier at work

I've known people who find meaning and value in their work, and others who are not only unhappy at work, but choose to spend a lot of non-work time complaining about it.

Changing your attitude toward work might be hard, but worth it.  After all, for most of us, work is going to occupy a large chunk of life.  The solution may not always be found in changing jobs, but in changing the way we think about work.

First, consider the fact that we're designed to work.  Humans have always worked – to gather, grow, or prepare food; to make tools, clothing, and shelter; to care for children and the sick.  It explains our drive to learn the skills we need (even to pretend and play at them in childhood).  It explains the satisfaction we feel when we complete a task, and the positive feelings we have when resting after a day of hard work.

Next, accept that work takes places in an imperfect world.  All of us fall short, we deal with life challenges, we're capable of being selfish, impatient, angry, and more.  So yes, some bosses are unpleasant, some tasks are not enjoyable, there will always be deadlines and stress and broken tools and people who don't cooperate.  Let's realize that and move on.

Third, stop trying to get rich.  It's important to be fairly compensated for your work, but if you're only working to get the biggest paycheck possible, you'll never be satisfied.  You'll always be searching for more.  And working for riches can tempt you toward dishonesty and other harmful behaviors.

Finally, noticing how your work contributes to others can help you feel more useful and valuable.  Whether you create beautiful art, repair refrigerators, put out fires, clean offices and hotel rooms, mindfully parent children, deliver mail, or invent life-enhancing prosthetics, your work is providing for the common good.  Develop your skills and behave ethically, and you can feel proud of what you offer to the world.

Do you appreciate my work?  Why not buy me a coffee?