How to Find Meaning in Unfulfilling Jobs

"Follow your passion" is great advice – until you have bills to pay. Here's what they don't tell you about finding purpose at work. We know that finding purpose in our work is one of the most important factors in job satisfaction and overall happiness. Yet here's the reality: many of us find ourselves in roles that align with our skills and market demand more than our deepest passions. We take jobs primarily for the paycheck – and that's perfectly okay. So how do we find purpose and meaning in our work when we're not saving the world? We reframe and redefine how we look at purpose. Most of my career was spent in retail. It started with selling electronics – exciting work for a 19-year-old. But as my career evolved, I discovered deeper purpose through: ❓ Creating exceptional teams through training and development 🧑 Defining and delivering outstanding customer service 📈 Developing processes that empowered teams to excel 💹 Using data to identify and solve team workload challenges 😁 Building open, inspiring workspaces where people thrive While we all dream of working for organizations changing the world, we also value personal freedom, financial security, and living in communities we love. If you're searching for purpose in your role, or helping your team find theirs, consider these prompts: ✔How can this position help me grow and realize more of my potential? ✔Whose lives can I positively impact through my work? ✔Where do I want to be, and how can this role help me get there? What do you think? How do you find passion in your work? #teamdevelopment #teambuilding #teamperformance

**Do you have a “have to” job or a “get to” job?** Most of my life, I’ve viewed my work as a *get to*—an opportunity to contribute, grow, and make an impact. But it wasn't until Mike Fisher helped me realize that many people struggle because they approach their jobs as something they *have to* do. Here’s the truth: shifting your mindset from “have to” to “get to” can change how you experience work—and life. - Instead of *I have to work late*, try *I get to help move this project forward and make a difference*.  - Instead of *I have to deal with challenges*, try *I get to learn and build resilience through this experience*. This doesn’t mean work will always feel easy or perfect. But when you focus on the opportunities within your role, you’ll find more purpose and fulfillment. **If you’re feeling stuck in the “have to” mindset, here are a few ways to change it:**  1. **Reconnect with your purpose.** Think about why your work matters—whether it’s the people you help, the goals you achieve, or the growth you’re gaining.  2. **Celebrate small wins.** Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Every step forward is something to be grateful for.  3. **Seek growth opportunities.** A stagnant role feels like a chore. Look for ways to challenge yourself, learn new skills, or take on something meaningful.  4. **Reframe struggles.** Instead of viewing problems as setbacks, ask yourself, *What can I learn from this?* Even tough days have value.  5. **Practice daily gratitude.** Reflect on what your job allows you to do—whether it’s supporting your family, working with great people, or building your future. Your mindset shapes your experience. What’s one way you can start turning a “have to” into a “get to” today?  

How do you find purpose in a purposeless job? Various sources, from Gallup to YouGov to BetterUp to Harvard Review have found that an average of 35% of people feel that their work has absolutely no purpose -- zero meaning. Have you ever been in a dead-end job? Have you ever worked somewhere that felt had no purpose? The question is what do you do about it? The choices seem dim: Quit or Be Miserable, right? I would hazard to guess that there can be purpose and meaning in all work. Just because the company hasn't found it, doesn't mean you can't. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Bob Gaylor used to speak about "Putting Your Name on the Mailbox." It was a parable about him and his neighbor. He took immaculate care of his lawn. His neighbor asked him, why he worked so hard on his lawn. His reply was, "My name's on the mailbox." Of course, this story talks to ownership of where ever you are -- putting your name on the mailbox. However, in order to take ownership, we need purpose. How can you find purpose in your seemingly purposeless work? First, you have to agree that purpose can be found in everything you do. Someone or something will benefit from what you're doing. Even if you never deal with the end customer, what you do at work has an impact. Much like the famous story about the janitor in the hospital, who, when asked, "What do you do here," he replied, "I save lives." Start within and shine the light on why you're working in the first place. Most people are sleepwalking through life, operating on autopilot. They have zero reason to even work, aside from surviving. Finding purpose for yourself, can help align to why you're working. You can turn 'survive' into 'surthrive'. Even a dead-end job can have purpose if you have purpose yourself. I know I've had some cappy jobs in the past (crappy because I couldn't see a purpose in them). Once I discovered my purpose, all work changed. Sometimes the purpose is in the relationships at work. Sometimes the purpose is to become the best darn whatever in what you're doing. Sometimes the purpose is in small wins everyday that you set for yourself. Yesterday, I spoke about personal motivation. I emphasized that no one can motivate you -- you motivate yourself. Purpose in work can be given by your leaders. But you can find your own purpose as well! Don't just exist ... Live with purpose! ….. Follow me if you enjoy discussing business and success daily. Click on the double notification bell 🔔 to be informed when I post. #betheeagle