The Mystery of Why We Work: An Emotional Exploration

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are doing well in life 😀

I would like to share with you my thoughts about working and getting a job, a dilemma continued  ever since an early age, I have been plagued with a persistent question that became more and more pressing as I pursued my bachelor's degree. My older sister was the one I went to for answers, but her responses never felt quite right. "Why do people work?" I would inquire, confused by the constant pursuit of work and subsequent constraints and burdens.

However, do not think that I am an aristocracy showing off my wealth. Permit me to clarify and reveal the riddle that has consumed my mind for an extended period. Why do people continue to labor when their fundamental needs—clothing, food, shelter, health care, and education—are taken care of?

It's all about making money, doing what you want, and granting your wishes, as my sister used to say. However, I never understood that. Look at the wealthy, the millionaires and billionaires; they have the resources to support their communities and indulge their fantasies. Still, they persist. What is driving them?

The solution remained elusive as I moved from college to the working world. But if you were to ask me right now, why do I work? What keeps me going every day? Two words that come to mind: self-fulfillment.

Essentially, it's about spending time on worthwhile activities rather than wasting it on pointless activities. Assuming their basic needs are satisfied, work offers a sense of identity, community, and belonging that resonates, particularly for the "Z generation."

It's like night and day when it comes to how I feel about volunteering and working. I feel as though I've worked out harshly after a workday when I get home. But I'm excited and thrilled after volunteering for a day. For me, the true measure of success comes from witnessing how my efforts affect people's lives.

The solution to the unanswered question turned out to be enhancing and helping the lives of others. When individuals see the good impact of their labor, it becomes a motivator that transcends personal demands. The good change is more important than the extent, regardless of whether the effects are felt by friends, family, or a larger community.

Additionally important is autonomy, especially when it comes to volunteer work. The opportunity to make judgments autonomously, free of hierarchical limitations, fosters an environment in which teams work together to pursue philanthropic endeavors without fear of repercussions. I think that one of the most important factors in keeping Gen Z workers is their autonomy.

It can be a smart move for businesses, particularly those with younger employees, to encourage a sense of autonomy and purpose. Illustrating how individual roles contribute to the betterment of society can serve as a potent source of motivation.

For individuals, it's critical to select employment that both advances overall company objectives and is consistent with personal values. Gaining a sense of the concrete results of your work can transform a job into a source of deep satisfaction.

In my role as a recruiter, the driving force behind my commitment isn't the company culture, teamwork, or client interactions. It's the impact I witness—the transformative effect on people's lives. Moments of joy arise when I inform someone, that they've secured a job, discussing compensation details, especially when their excitement is palpable.

The truest, most memorable moments occur when I'm sought after for advice on job searches, required qualities for success, or when reviewing resumes to pinpoint areas for improvement. They're extraordinary and memorable moments, and for me, that's the heart of why we work.

See you again with another thoughts 😉