your work
IT’S WHAT YOU DO.
Oh what a complex world we weave around this thing called work.
We give it so much importance. We let it form our identity. (‘What do you do?’) We let it give our lives meaning (‘I save lives’), structure (‘I go to work at 8 and return home at 6’), value (‘I make widgets for the revolution’), status (‘I am a CEO’), power (‘I tell you what to do’), competence (‘I made 10% more widgets this year’), social contact (‘As I was saying to Jo the other day…’), and so on.
But, really, work is simply what you do. It may be paid or unpaid. It may be nine to five or seasonal. Generally, it’s the activities you do that sustain you – pay the bills or meet your psychological needs.
What we know from the world of psychological research on work is that when we are clear about what we’re doing, getting feedback, feeling valued, doing meaningful work, moderately challenged, and in a supportive environment, then we create great work. And are happier.