It is one of the greatest tragedies of today’s world that many people around us are stuck doing work that they neither crave nor enjoy, but still go along with just so the bills get paid. Let’s be honest, people who really love their job are few and far between. Most people wake up in the morning dragging themselves to their workplace, mentally praying that they can get through the day without giving up.

Working is never only about earning money, it’s also about feeling proud of your work, knowing that what you are doing is meaningful and important. People who enjoy their work are more likely to be happy, focused, motivated and can make better decisions. Finding a task which is meaningful to you is essential. It will uplift you both physically and mentally, and you will be able to indulge in your life optimistically. Not to mention, it will also boost your productivity and commitment to your work.

Perks of Meaningful Work

If you are successful but unhappy, if you hate your job but have still decided to keep going at it every day, this article’s for you. Maybe you can think about practical alternatives that will allow you to enjoy what you do. Let’s back up a little, and try to delve into why enjoying the work you do is so important.

Reason 1: Success

The entire point of being stuck in an unhappy job is, at some level, about being successful- so let’s start with that. If you are unhappy with your work, you are unlikely to put all your effort and energy into it; you will just go through the chores of the day and as a consequence, your career will soon stagnate.

On the other hand, if you are really passionate about your job, you will put every bit of skill you possess into it. You might work extra hours, you might be willing to help out other members, you might even come up with creative ways of trouble-shooting problems simply because you love your job. All this extra motivation and effort will really help to advance your career.

Reason 2: Health

Getting yourself a meaningful work opportunity is significant for both your emotional and physical well-being. It is a fact backed by research that if you are working eight hours a day on something that you don’t enjoy, it will increase stress levels in your body, weaken your immune system. In severe cases, there may be other more serious health problems. On the psychological side, not getting job satisfaction will give you sleepless nights, take a severe toll on your mental health and may lead to other more serious conditions.

Reason 3: Fulfillment and Productivity

Jobs shouldn’t just be a means of securing a livelihood. If you don’t enjoy what you do, if your work means nothing to you apart from the money, then you are missing out on some of the greatest boons of life.

Furthermore, if you don’t feel good about your work, your self-respect diminishes, and your performance suffers as a result. You are not as productive as you can be, which also means that the enormous potential you have goes to waste, which might be better utilized in other activities.

Reason 3: Unleashing Your Inner Creativity

There is a creative side to all of us, no matter how insignificant you think it to be. Childhood is the time when your creativity is harnessed in its full potential. As you grow up and the restrictions and demands of life catch up with you, that creative energy gets suppressed. You should do work that enables you to channel your creativity.

For example, let’s say you have a superbly gifted voice. How can you utilize this creative talent of yours and still get paid? Well, how about opting for voice over coaching that will help you to hit the sweet spot – both literally and figuratively? Alternatively, if you’re a gifted writer, you may consider freelance copywriting work. If you can play the guitar, maybe you can teach. For almost any creative outlet, there is usually a job that is at least somewhat related. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t assume creativity and earning money are mutually exclusive.

Reason 4: Inspiring Others

Unfortunately there many people who are too afraid to pursue their chosen career and do what they really love, because of economic constraints, peer pressure, and lack of support from their families. When you gather enough courage to take that challenging step yourself, you become a big source of inspiration for others.

One day, your children or friends or loved ones might be at the crossroads, trying to decide between what they love and what pays. You could be the perfect role model for them; you could make them go that extra mile. You could be the reason they have a career that fulfills them and makes them proud of their work.

That is all well and good, but a critical question remains: what if you hate the job you are currently doing but don’t know what kind of job will make you happy? The answer may lie in your childhood ambitions and motivations.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, if you are miserable at the job you are in, you don’t have to quit it immediately. But you should start assessing your options, figuring out your strengths, and seeking out opportunities. It’s a long and arduous journey, but it is one you can make, and when you do, you will be happy, productive, and free.