The Work-Meaning Connection

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The Work-Meaning Connection

Several years ago, a Wall Street Journal/ABC News poll reported that nearly 50% of all those working in the United States would choose a new type of work if they had the chance (Warshaw 1998). Why do so many people feel dissatisfied with their work? The answer is complex and multifaceted. We live in an age where work has become "more personal than ever—when who you are is what you do—a deeper source of personal satisfaction than ever" (ibid., online, n.p.). Many are reexamining their careers in light of the growing realization that work should be more than a job. Instead of listening to internal signals, many individuals make choices about work and careers on the basis of external criteria such as income potential, status, and the opinions of others. Although they may achieve success in these careers, they may be unhappy and dissatisfied because their work is not aligned with who they are—their "core self" (Clark 1999-2000). Others may select careers based on their aptitudes-things they are good at doing—but just like external criteria these aptitudes may not reflect their "deep interests," that is, the things that really make them happy (Webber 1998).

According to Timothy Butler and James Waldroop, examining the terminology used to describe work can help unravel some of the questions about choosing work that is meaningful. Although the term "career" is used most frequently, the term "vocation" is more profound because it has to do with doing work that makes a difference and that has meaning. The Latin word vocare, which means "to call," is the root of the word vocation. A vocation is a calling that one has to listen for. It is not immediately recognizable and one has to be attuned to the messa...

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...bridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2000.

Plimmer, G.; Smith, M.; Duggan, M.; and Englert, P. "Career Adaptability, Well-Being, and Possible Selves." Career Planning and Adult Development Journal 15, no. 4 (Winter 1999-2000): 83-91.

Savickas, M. L. "Career Adaptability: An Integrative Construct for Life-Span, Life-Space Theory." Career Development Quarterly 45, no. 3 (March 1997): 247-259.

Savickas, M. L. "Renovating the Psychology of Careers for the Twenty-first Century." In The Future of Career, edited by A. Collin and R. A. Young. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2000.

Warshaw, M. "Get a Life." Fast Company no. 15 (June-July 1998): 138+. <http://www.fastcompany.com/online/15/getalife.html>

Webber, A. M. "Is Your Job Your Calling?" Fast Company no. 13 (February 1998): 108+. <http://www.fastcompany.com/online/13/hbrplus.html>

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