Do You Love What You Do?
We’ve all heard the saying: “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” But let’s be honest—work is still work. Some days are fulfilling, others are frustrating, and most of us have tasks we’d rather skip. So, how do you know if you truly love what you do? And if you don’t, what can you do about it?
Loving your work isn’t about having the perfect job or waking up every morning excited to tackle spreadsheets or meetings. It’s about finding meaning in what you do, feeling challenged in the right ways, and knowing that your work contributes to something that matters—to you.
What Does Joy at Work Feel Like?
Rather than checking off a list of what a great job should look like, let’s get real. Work that brings joy feels like:
- A sense of engagement—you get lost in what you’re doing (at least sometimes).
- The feeling that your contributions matter—you see the impact of your work.
- Growth—you’re learning, stretching, evolving.
- Connection—you work with people who challenge and support you.
- A rhythm that works—you’re not constantly drained or dreading Mondays.
One of my most joyful work experiences was at a company where the culture truly fostered belonging and collaboration. I had incredible colleagues, and we shared both lighthearted and serious moments. I still smile when I remember my boss walking through the halls singing “Football’s Coming Home” during our company’s worldwide soccer tournament, where teams from various locations competed at our headquarters. But it wasn’t just the fun moments—it was the deep sense of teamwork, especially when we navigated mergers and acquisitions together, training and integrating new staff. We were part of something bigger than ourselves, and that sense of shared purpose made even the tough days worthwhile.
There’s no single formula for loving your work. It’s deeply personal. But if none of these resonate, it might be time to ask yourself some tough questions.
When Work Feels Like a Chore
If you’re struggling to find joy in your work, consider this:
- Is it the work itself, or is it the environment? Sometimes, the tasks we do are fine—it’s the culture, the leadership, or the lack of respect that makes work hard.
- Have you outgrown this role? A job that once felt like a challenge might now feel like autopilot, and that’s okay—it just means you’re ready for more.
- Are your values aligned with the company’s? When you believe in what you’re working toward, even hard days feel worth it. When you don’t, they drain you fast.
- Can you make adjustments before walking away? Sometimes a shift—taking on a new project, setting boundaries, or speaking up about what you need—can make all the difference.
Bringing More Joy Into Your Work
Before deciding it’s time to move on, here are a few ways to rediscover what makes your work meaningful:
- Find small wins. Celebrate progress, even if it’s not in big leaps.
- Deepen connections. A good team can make even tough work more bearable.
- Advocate for yourself. If you feel stagnant, ask for a challenge. If you feel overwhelmed, set boundaries.
- Remember your ‘why.’ Sometimes reconnecting with what brought you to this work in the first place can reignite your sense of purpose.
When It’s Time to Move On
But let’s be real—sometimes, no amount of reframing can fix a job that’s not right for you anymore. If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, drained, or uninspired, it may be time to consider a change.
In our next post, “Love It or Leave It: When It’s Time to Move On,” we’ll talk about how to recognize when a job no longer serves you and how to transition with confidence.
For now, ask yourself: What moments at work make you feel alive? And what would it take to feel that way more often? Your answers might surprise you—and they just might be the key to unlocking more joy in your career.
#CareerDevelopment #LoveWhatYouDo #FindYourPassion #WorkLifeBalance #JobSatisfaction #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #CareerJoy #ProfessionalGrowth
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