Episode 16: How to find meaningful work (and the career satisfaction-boosting strategy you *need* to try)

Have you been searching for meaningful work? Today’s episode of The Career Clarity Show is for you. We’re talking about a tactic to actually identify the meaning in the work you’re already doing — and also think about what kind of work would be even more meaningful for you.

This episode was born because the other day, a counselor with a spiritual side (who gets her meditation and prayer on), said something so revolutionary it stopped me in my tracks. As she described the work she does with her clients, she said: 

“That’s my ministry through my work.” 

She doesn’t have to be a full-time rabbi, monk, or imam to feel spiritually rooted and have her work feel incredibly meaningful. Work has become an extension of her soul. 

Her simple but incredibly profound statement made me realize: we’re all doing ministry through our work. (Yes, even if you’re not religious, spiritual, or woo-woo.)

Every job on the planet — whether you’re making greeting cards on Etsy or making arguments before the Supreme Court — exists because it’s of service to someone. (Think about it: if someone will pay you to do something for them, no matter how small, it’s a service.) You’re exchanging your capabilities for the money, the physical currency of value and gratitude. By being employed and being helpful, even if you think you’re “just” barista-ing or teaching or counseling, you’re creating a ministry of sorts (whether or not you chose your job for that reason).

So, if your job says something about who you are (and the services you believe are valuable to the world), what do you want that “ministry” to be?

It’s not usually a question you’re asked in a job interview.

It’s not usually a question we ask ourselves, either. But it’s an important one — especially if you’re looking for a more meaningful and fulfilling career.

When we think about work, we’re often focused inward on the “me, me, me” parts of it — answering the question of “what do I want to get out of this job?” and only caring about what we get out of it.

With that “me”-centered mindset, it’s no wonder that recent studies show only 20% of the workforce feel passionate about work, and less than 50% are even satisfied with their jobs, according to Harris Interactive.

A ministry is inherently about helping others, so the “me” mentality could actually be the exact reason why you’re unhappy and disengaged at work. Fulfillment and meaning come from knowing how you serve — not just the size of your paycheck and your cushy corner office with that million-dollar view.

Instead of focusing on you and what you want (i.e., “I want my next role to ensure that I get 6 figures, more responsibility, and a great title”) you might consider concentrating on expanding your service of others instead.

Imagine what would shift if you sought your next opportunity with a ministry mindset. If you thought: “I want my next role to serve others by creating a thriving team that loves their work and feels incredibly committed to their company.”

There’s a couple core questions that this change in mindset brings up, whether you’re job hunting for the perfect fit or evaluating your current role: do you believe in your company and its mission? And, in your bones, are you certain you agree with the products your organization creates?

A word of caution: thinking about work through the lens of purpose can come with hefty expectations, pressure, and stress (if you let it).

But your ministry doesn’t have to be huge and world-changing to be important. It can be: “I help make marketing messages resonate with the people we can help best.” Or: “I bring more beauty into the world by managing operations at a world-class fashion brand.” Or maybe: “I help ease the fears of new employees joining our company so they can do their best work.”

Every client set in front of you can be a divine appointment…if you choose to see it that way. (Or, you can keep choosing to see the things that work asks of you as annoyances, and then be a person who’s annoyed all the time and annoying to be around. That’s your choice, too.)

You’re the only one who can choose the narrative of your work. So, as you decide what’s true for you, ask yourself:

“What does doing this job say about what I value?”

“What am I prioritizing by showing up here each day and staying here month after month?”

And: “Am I proud of what my work says about me?”

If you had to describe it, what ministry are you doing in your work? What purpose is your work serving in the world? Let me know in the comments!

Need some help figuring out the ministry you *want* to be doing through your work?If you’re searching for the kind of job that makes you say “Hell Yes!” you don’t want to miss the live masterclass I’m holding tomorrow. Click here to get the details and register to save your seat!

SHOW NOTES:

• Register for the Why Finding a Hell Yes Job is SO Dang Hard — And What To Do About It!!
• Read this on Medium
• Learn about Jenny Blake and the Pivot Method
• Take the quiz assessment on your top pillar of career fulfillment here!
• The 4 Pillars of Career Fulfillment podcast series: start here!

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