People Who Can Find Meaning In Even The Most Basic Job Do 11 Things Differently Than Everyone Else
Vitaly Gariev | Pexels Most people spend one-third of their entire lives at work. Many fall victim to burnout and exhaustion, letting their careers take over their lives and blur the lines between their personal life and the job. And while a great deal of responsibility falls on the shoulders of an employee, it's how they find meaning in even the most basic role that sets them apart from everyone else.
The consequences of an unfulfilling job or a toxic workplace can feel inescapable, but it's not impossible to stay in a job you don't look forward to. That's especially true when people live a fulfilling life outside of work and make strong connections. It takes intentionality and self-awareness, though.
Things people do differently when they can find meaning in the most basic job
1. They think about who they're helping
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By investing in the outcome of a job, people can easily find meaning in what they do. Who are you helping by doing the work you're doing? Is there subtle meaning in the small social interactions you have on a daily basis or even the support you're giving to colleagues in the office?
Take the outcome you're at and think about how it's helping someone. Even if it's on a smaller scale like smiling at a customer, there are ways to find meaning amid the mundanity of a 9-to-5. But in many cases, you have to search for it.
For younger generations, finding meaning in the workplace is important, but that doesn't mean it has to be important for everyone. Figure out what's important to you, because it's possible to find comfort and happiness in even the most boring job.
2. They pay attention to personal growth
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Even if you can't stand your job or the team you're on, by focusing on personal growth and learning new things, it gives you a leg up and sets you apart. So, focus on the skills and knowledge you can personally achieve, not the stress of all the projects and meetings.
For example, brainstorm things you're not good at and find ways to prioritize teaching moments that can help you to build those skills at work. Even if you're not passionate about your job or the industry, you can still build skills to help you succeed.
3. They have a fulfilling routine
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Even if you're stuck in a job you dislike, there's power in building a routine focused on your emotional and physical health. Workplace culture and employee wellness go hand-in-hand, but by focusing on the things you can control, you can find meaning and purpose.
For people who can find that purpose in a job, they know their worth doesn't revolve around obligations and responsibilities. Instead, they stay focused on their routine, like setting goals or work boundaries, that give them more free time in their personal life.
4. They seek out mentorship
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According to a study from the Journal of Vocational Behavior, having or being a mentor can make all the difference in better job satisfaction and well-being while on the clock. By offering help or receiving it in a professional environment, you're connecting with peers on a deeper level than casual work conversations.
Outside of the benefits of mentorship in a professional context, people focused on this aspect of their jobs have the support to set healthy boundaries and deal with stress. When they're at work, they feel less isolated and stressed from having another person to rely on for motivation and guidance.
5. They think positive
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The consequences that come from a toxic workplace environment are often diverse and inescapable, from poor mental health to burnout. But even the most basic jobs can provide meaning to people when they think positive.
When you focus on the positive aspects of your job, you can find meaning in the areas it supports, like your personal life. Even if you're struggling with stress or burnout, when you can rely on the areas of your life that provide relief, you're left in a better mindset.
6. They 'gamify' their workload
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Even the most mundane tasks can be more fulfilling and exciting when you "gamify" them. Gamify means making everything a game to make it more fun and enjoyable. And this is especially true in the workplace, where time can drag on and tasks feel unfulfilling.
Make everything a game. Set a timer for getting your work done. Set personal goals for the day. Structure a game of productivity with co-workers when you're feeling less motivated. Sure, you're an adult, but why does that mean you can't make everything into a fun game?
7. They create a future vision of themselves
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According to therapist and relationship coach Sefora Janel Ray, the art of manifestation lies in being able to envision your future self. Even if you're not into manifestation or spiritual practices, being able to craft an image of your future self and all of the goals you're currently working toward can make working much more bearable.
When you have a real image of what you'll look like and achieve in 5 or 10 years, you're less likely to fall victim to the simple stressors or annoyances. You don't grow resentful on a daily basis, and that's a win.
8. They set healthy boundaries
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Setting work boundaries are required to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Boundaries include things like refusing to bring work home or not taking on extra products when you're already overloaded. By setting those boundaries, you can instead focus on the values that are important to you.
From prioritizing your free time to having more quality time with family, setting healthy boundaries with your values and priorities in mind can make dealing with the stress of a job just a little bit easier.
9. They express gratitude to their colleagues
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According to career and workplace journalist Rebecca Knight, it's not easy to find meaning in a job that feels meaningless. But when you stop hyper-focusing on the negatives and put that effort into connections, you're more likely to maintain an optimistic mindset. This creates more fulfillment and balance.
For example, expressing gratitude and appreciation to colleagues is the perfect way to focus on the positives at a boring, mundane job. You're building relationships outside work responsibilities that you can rely on when things get tough.
Expressing gratitude is incredibly profound, boosting mental health and social connection, despite being a relatively quick and noncommittal practice. Use it to your advantage.
10. They reflect on their personal values
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According to psychologist Jessica Koehler, our core morals and values tend to shape our behaviors, making them important to think about when you can't find purpose at work. By making the intentional choice to focus on those values or to craft them, you can make thoughtful decisions in your professional life that add value to your routine.
For example, if one of your core values is empathy or empathetic conversations, building relationships or opening up discussions at work that allow you to treat people with grace make grappling with a job you can't stand much easier.
11. They find meaning in their personal life
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Building a routine to cope with the stress of a job you can't stand is one thing, but focusing on finding meaning in your personal life is another. It's much more profound despite being quiet, but helps people realize what's most important outside of their work life.
They may invest in a hobby or learn something new. No matter what that is, by focusing on things in your personal life that help you to find meaning and fulfillment, it creates feelings of excitement and purpose.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
