If you ask most people if they are proud of their jobs, a lot of them would tell you “No.” They may be proud of the how hard they work, the way their skills improve or how much money they make, but most wouldn’t say they were proud of what they actually do.
But what if you asked the same question of people who worked in jobs that really helped others? Feeding the hungry, healing the sick, helping the poor – the more directly you are working to support a cause you believe in, the more likely you are to be proud of what you do.
WORK WITH MEANING – WHY YOU WANT A JOB YOU CAN BE PROUD OF
1. IT GIVES YOU A REASON TO GET UP IN THE MORNING.
Life can be tough, there is no denying. And when you spend a large portion of your day-to-day life doing something that seems meaningless, it only makes it harder. But work with meaning produces the opposite effect. When you know you are doing something that matters, you will often be eager to get up and get at it. It may be hard, but it is the kind of hard that leads to a deep sense of accomplishment.
2. YOU GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR.
Most jobs that are really meaningful have employers who are looking for more help. The need for helping hands works to your advantage when you have little or no experience. While you may be a novice, most employers offer training so don’t let that deter you. You can get in, learn the ropes and gain the skills you need to succeed and become a professional.
3. YOU GET TO TAKE ON A LOT OF DIFFERENT TASKS.
Another challenge most employers offering meaningful jobs face is not having specific employees for every little task that needs to be done. The lack of specialists leads to a lot of variety in your work. You may be asked to do all sorts of things that you would never have an opportunity to do if you worked at a different job. This job diversity can foster something every employer looks for — versatility. Learning other jobs also makes you an asset when your employer is looking to hire someone to fill that specific position. It’s a win, win!
4. YOU MEET OTHER PEOPLE LIKE YOU.
In spite of social media, it seems harder than ever to meet and connect with people. Meaningful employment tends to remedy this problem. Every day you will go to work with people who are also committed to making a difference in the world. Between work and the social events that come along with work, you are likely to make close friends with shared values. It’s true. Birds of a feather really do flock together.
5. YOU MAKE CAREER CONNECTIONS.
The fact that you are interested in a meaningful job like this makes you special, something that others in your work community will identify with and appreciate. You will make connections that can greatly benefit your career in the long-term. Career development is always about who you know, and working in a job with meaning will help you foster relationships with other committed people.
6. THE WORK WILL MAKE YOU TOUGHER.
Jobs with meaning can sometimes be harder to do and less appealing to most potential employees. These jobs require emotional and physical resilience that not everyone possesses. But if this kind of job really motivates you, there is no doubt you will be able to push through. Overcoming all the inherent challenges to such a job will make you stronger, tougher and more capable than you would be otherwise.
7. YOU WILL HAVE A REASON TO BE PROUD.
If you choose a job that really means something to you, it will not take long before you are filled with a special kind of pride that only comes through meaningful work. You will always have some experience to share at social events. You will not have to hesitate when someone asks you what you do. You will be able to respond immediately with integrity. You do something that MATTERS and you make the necessary sacrifices to do so.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WORK WITH MEANING?
If you are ready to make a difference, click here to find out about what it means to be a Direct Support Professional. We are standing by to help you get started on your career!