Finding Meaning or Making Peace - Remembering Why You Love the Work You Do

Some people seek purpose in every aspect of their work lives, while others see their job as a reliable source of stability and security—not necessarily a calling, and that’s okay. For many, whether work is a passion or simply a means to support a life they love outside the office, the balance between finding meaning and making peace with our jobs is a critical one. But, as with all relationships, there are signs to watch for that may signal it’s time for a change. How can you tell if it’s time to move on, or if reconnecting with your “why” is enough to rekindle the spark?

To Find Purpose or to Find Peace—That Is the Question

For some of us, work has to be more than a place we clock in and out of each day. It’s something that we connect with deeply and derive meaning from, that becomes a part of our identity. I fall into this category, as do others who thrive when work aligns with their passions, values, and ideals. But let’s be clear: not every job has to be a passion project. Plenty of people derive fulfillment from activities outside of work and see their job as a means to enable a life they enjoy, without necessarily feeling a personal connection to the work itself.

Consider these two mindsets as different yet equally valid approaches. There’s beauty in pursuing a passion-driven career, where each day feels like a step toward a larger purpose. And there’s equal value in the quiet pride of doing your job well to support a life full of meaning outside of the office. Both approaches deserve respect and encouragement. However, the challenge comes when that balance is thrown off—when people start to feel that their work is actively draining them.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Misalignment

Many people have shared that they know it’s time to make a change when they’re unhappy more days than they’re not. But here’s the kicker: by that logic, they’re accepting unhappiness nearly half the time! What does that say about our standards for fulfillment?

Let’s be honest—no job is perfect, and no day is free from the occasional frustration. But if you’re increasingly dreading your work, counting down to the weekend, or feeling your energy drain each morning, it might be time to reflect on whether you’re staying for the right reasons. Are you settling for “okay” when your heart might be nudging you toward “better”? This doesn’t mean that every difficult day or stressful deadline is a sign to pack up and leave. But it does suggest the need for a deeper assessment of what makes work worth it.

Small Shifts to Reignite Passion or Find Peace

If you’re feeling disconnected from your work, you might not need a drastic career change. Sometimes, the “why” gets lost in the daily grind, but it’s still there, waiting to be rediscovered. Here are a few ideas to bring that spark back, whether your goal is to reconnect with your passion or simply to find more peace in your role:

Reflect on Your Impact: Remind yourself of how your role, however small it may feel at times, contributes to a bigger picture. Whether you’re supporting a team, serving clients, or advancing a company’s mission, you make a difference. Try listing a few positive outcomes of your work, no matter how small.

Set Micro-Goals: Especially when things feel stagnant, creating small, achievable goals can provide a renewed sense of progress and purpose. This could be as simple as learning a new skill or connecting with a mentor in a different department.

Build Connection: Sometimes, it’s not the work itself but the people that make it worthwhile. Building genuine connections with colleagues can create a more enjoyable environment and even help you appreciate your work in a new light.

Establish Boundaries: If work feels overwhelming, setting boundaries can help you protect your energy and make space for activities that recharge you. Maybe you don’t need to love every moment at work if you can look forward to a balanced, fulfilling life outside of it.

Knowing When It’s Time to Move On

Of course, there are times when it becomes clear that something more fundamental needs to change. When the “why” is gone for good, and the balance is out of reach, it’s worth listening to that inner voice. If you find yourself consistently unhappy, even after making adjustments, this could be a sign that the role or even the industry no longer aligns with your values or goals.

Leaving a job or career path isn’t easy, but it’s often a journey worth taking. As some people have shared, they knew it was time to move on when the idea of starting over felt less daunting than staying in place. Life is too short to settle for “good enough,” especially if you feel called to something more fulfilling.

Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery

At the end of the day, reconnecting with the reason you work can bring you closer to a sense of fulfillment—whether that comes from within the job or from the life it allows you to lead outside of work. Work doesn’t have to be everything, but it should serve you in a way that adds value, satisfaction, or stability.

For those of us who crave meaning and connection in our careers, finding that passion can feel as essential as breathing. For others, making peace with a role that funds a fulfilling life outside the office can be equally satisfying. Either way, understanding your relationship with work is a journey worth taking. Reassessing your “why” periodically can help you stay aligned, energized, and ultimately content with the time and energy you spend in the workplace.

So, as you head into another week, ask yourself: Are you happy with the balance you’ve struck? And if not, what might help you move closer to a life where you’re either rekindling a sense of purpose or making space for peace? Either way, here’s to making the hours we work truly count.