I’ve always thought that nothing would be worse than a career I disliked. I even taught my kids to find something they enjoy doing every day because waking up to a job you hate would be hell. Certainly, I have been blessed in that way, and honestly, I think most of us in this industry feel the same way.
I remember in my younger days people would ask, “What’s it like to do what you do?” Usually, I answered, “Well, it’s certainly better than digging ditches for a living!” In truth, maybe ditch diggers love that but I love being in media a lot more than that statement suggests. I should’ve said, “I LOVE doing what I do, and I am blessed to be doing it.”
Do you love what you do? As a boomer, I usually express frustration with Millennials and GenZ because it has always seemed that they don’t have the same passion or work ethic of my generation.
I recently realized that assumption really isn’t fair. I have been judging them against my own core values and what I was taught. I have two Millennial sons and a Gen Z daughter I have come to understand that it’s not for me to judge what is important to them.
They all have respectable careers; in fact, my oldest son is a social worker and going for his Masters while my younger son is a highly skilled electrician, and we all know how the service industry is desperate for trained, skilled journeymen.
My daughter is in customer service, and I’m not sure she enjoys her work very much, despite the fact that she does it well and earns an excellent living. She is so much better at focusing more on life balance than I ever have. I’m in radio for cryin’ out loud! I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve been divorced twice, and in my younger years, very little mattered more than reaching my goals.
The traditional model has definitely given way to a more dynamic landscape where the significance and meaning of work are most important. Today, balance between professional goals and personal values and passions matter more.
Younger people seem to examine their core principles and beliefs that guide their decisions and actions in life. As I continue to pen this article I have become even more ashamed to admit that I have never chosen a career move based on my values or principles. Yikes! And I’m the one judging others?
Young people seem to shape careers and specific jobs on who they are and what they stand for. They actually ask themselves what they care about most. Is it creativity, innovation, social issues, helping others, the environment, or financial stability? These values serve more and more as a compass, directing many to work in fields that resonate with their inner selves.
Passion often is the driving force behind what we choose to do, but today, it is often driven by social and cultural issues. When you talk to those making decisions based on more selfless issues, you may find that what they do are the same topics they talk about for hours without losing interest, even during personal time.
It’s fair to say that when your job brings you joy, those passions are also shared with purpose. It just seems that younger people today find their passion in a larger universe, and they want careers that align with those passions.
Pursuing work that “matters” is not without challenges. It might require stepping out of your comfort zone, taking risks, and sometimes making sacrifices. The most common sacrifice may be financial. In fact, GenZ seems less concerned about finances than they are “life balance”.
If they feel they’re making a difference in the world, that may be just as important as earning a good living. My own daughter has often said, “I just want to make enough to live.” (We’ll see if that feeling lasts as her earning power accelerates through the years.)
There might be periods of uncertainty and setbacks, but these should be viewed as part of the growth journey. They have been for all of us – even those driven more by career passion than social relevance. Being resilient and maintaining a positive mindset are essential. Remember that every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to the work that truly matters.
Through my years of walking the path of introspection, finding and engaging in work that matters has become more important. But, if I’m to be honest, I’m just not sure if it’s because I can afford to be more discerning or if I have truly become more altruistic.
I do know that the rewards of doing meaningful work are immeasurable, leading to a fulfilling and purposeful life. So, whether you’re a boomer or GenZ – maybe it’s time to embark on the journey towards doing work that truly matters to you.
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