Top career educators have been asking this question recently on LinkedIn and also in popular media; an article posted last year by Fraser-Thill was titled “The Missing, Essential Ingredient For Meaningful Work”. As career counselors and educators, we hope that are students are able to find meaningful careers after they graduate, however, often this isn’t a topic that is much discussed or reflected on during career counseling appointments. As is seen in a recent move by career centers across the U.S. to become “life design” centers, this is a central topic of interest for the new generation that will be joining the workforce soon. That their work is meaningful. That they have a purpose in what they do. That they have a connection to their community. That they have autonomy.
Todd Mei, PhD, expert in meaningful work and economics has published a post recently that looks into the career choices of two individuals, one who has purpose in their life, while the other does not, and asks questions regarding the importance of self-creation and authenticity in helping individuals gain clarity in their career goals. He asks three fundamental questions to understand the nature of authenticity, freedom, and meaningfulness:
– Can choices imposed from without, even if aligned with one’s talents and inclinations, lead to a truly authentic life?
– What is the relationship between choice, motivation, and self-creation?
– If autonomy is a fundamental human quality, what makes it meaningful? Simply having autonomy? Or having it directed and cultivated in the appropriate ways?
Answering these questions may help us to create a more meaningful work culture. Similarly, Jennifer Polk, academic escape and career clarity coach, asks how do we reframe what meaningful work means, when helping academics who want to explore careers outside of academia. She asks her clients: What specific parts of teaching, in what kinds of circumstances, are meaningful?
Is it grading papers? Lecturing? Developing assignments? Building slide decks? Entering grades into the system? Facilitating discussions? Meeting 1:1 with a student to select their essay topic? You can make a similar list for research and writing.
Once you become more specific about what is meaningful for you in these experiences, then you can notice other career paths that may have meaning for you. A recent blog post by Marks titled “What is Meaningful Work and How to Create It”, lists five facets of meaningful work: personal relevance, impact and importance, autonomy and control, competency and mastery, and connection and relatedness that may help job seekers identify key elements that make work feel more meaningful. For starters, your own values and goals are central in any decisions you make in choosing a career. And often people want to see that their work has a positive impact and they personally make a difference for others. Thirdly, people want autonomy at work, rather than being told what to do. Using your unique skills to have an impact at your work and that you gain recognition for what you do is also important. And lastly, establishing strong personal relationships at work is also an important aspect of creating meaning.
You can make an appointment with us to discuss your career wellbeing on Handshake.
