How to find meaning in a job that isn’t your true calling
The Wed WHAD Newsletter aka TWWN (Series 02: Edition 05: Sep-wk3)
Dear WHADer,
It’s mid week, and we have dealt with the Monday blues, but cannot wait for the weekend to come. Sounds like what you are feeling?
In today’s TWWN, we ponder about how we actually perform our work better if there is a way we can reframe what is it that we are actually doing.
Why? Because as happier creators, we can contribute to humanity what it truly deserves. Selfishly, this is also important for each of us deep inside too.
Let’s GO!
Topic: Purpose, Meaning and Passion
How to find meaning in a job that isn’t your true calling
Feeling unfulfilled at work can feel like living in a space that no longer serves its purpose. But just as architecture can be reimagined to enhance wellbeing, our approach to work can be redesigned to foster happiness. Even if your job isn’t your true calling, you can find meaning by reframing your role and focusing on how it benefits others.
Much like my #WHAD concept, work, too, can be crafted to enhance fulfillment.
Consider job crafting: reshaping responsibilities to align with your strengths, or focusing on how your work contributes to a larger purpose. In retail, fast food, or even accounting, roles may seem mundane, but if you view your work as helping others—whether it’s providing a service or supporting your family—your mindset changes.
A shift in perspective can increase productivity and satisfaction, as shown in studies where employees thrived when they found a personal connection to their work. Even small tweaks, like adopting a service mindset, can make an otherwise tedious job feel more meaningful. Just as architects design spaces that reflect evolving human needs, you can redesign your career experience to align with your changing passions, creating an environment that supports your long-term happiness and purpose.
Ultimately, finding meaning at work isn’t about uncovering a hidden calling—it’s about consciously designing your experience to foster a sense of purpose and wellbeing. Meaning+Purpose are intertwined.
Note: My insights are based on the article by Emily Esfahani Smith, and I read it in Harvard Business Review’s publication titled “Purpose, Meaning and Passion”.
If interested, you can also read the article here:
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Looking Ahead
Let us reflect. Whether your work is a job, career or calling (usually a combination of proportions), there is a layer of meaning that it serves.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through TWWN. May the insights and inspirations you’ve gained in this short 4 mins fuel your self discoveries and creativity.
Happier Architects fulfil Mission+Purpose.
Get unfair Happiness Advantage!
Until the next edition…
Warm wishes,
Frven Lim
Founder, #WHAD movement
PS: If you are curious and would like to know more about my coaching work, please feel free to send me a DM, or book a FREE Discovery Call.
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