5 Ways to Think More Intentionally About Your Job

We pursue jobs and career paths for a number of reasons, including the basic need we have for paying our bills and experiencing quality of life at a level we’ve grown accustomed to.

However, we should take the time to think intentionally about our career choices and consider how the work we do impacts us, others around us, and the world. By taking the time to ask ourselves a few questions we can do meaningful work that not only allows us to make a living, but also makes a difference in the lives of others.

Answer the following questions and consider how you can use your talents and skills to make the world a better place.

Am I clear about the talents and skills I possess, and do I put them to use in my current job? If you haven’t taken an inventory of your skills and talents now is the time. Identifying what you are good at and the things that interest you can ensure that you are doing work that is satisfying and meaningful to you.

What problems in my community or in the world particularly trouble me, and do I have the talents and skills to help solve any of these problems? Many successful businesses and products start with attempting to find a solution to a problem. The same approach can help you with you career. Are there problems or issues you are passionate about? If you are passionate about the environment, the fair treatment of animals, reducing gun violence, or any number of other social issues, you might find the right job or career by thinking through some solutions to the issue or problem and, if you have the skills and talents, joining a company or organization that currently works on that issue, or perhaps taking on a entrepreneurial role and starting something of your own.

What good does my current work or company bring to our customers or clients? Take a serious look at the work you are currently doing and ask yourself who benefits? And how do they benefit? Consider whether your products or services enhance the lives of your clients and customers, supporting them to be better people, or whether your company primarily enriches the owners, without any noticeable social benefit to your community or the world.

Does the work I do, or am interested in doing, cause harm to anyone or anything? Do the products or services provided to your customers or clients cause harm? This can be a difficult question to ask and we might be tempted to downplay the harm. For example, does your company primarily sell food that is unhealthy for people, or produce products that expose customers to toxins? How might you answer that question if you work for a cigarette company or an arms manufacturer?

If the answer to the previous question is yes, is there a way to mitigate that harm by changing processes or products? In many situations, companies can mitigate or eliminate the harm their products cause by making some changes, eliminating a toxic ingredient, or instituting new practices that are more environmentally responsible. If you’re not in a position to recommend such changes you might need to reconsider your current job or career plans.

Take some time today to think more intentionally about the work you do and the impact your products and services have on your community and the world.