THE VALUE OF WORK

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer
is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

—Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States.

The work that you choose to do over the course of your life will profoundly impact your quality of life. Work is essential because it provides us with money which influences our ability to access virtually all essential goods and services.

Work impacts our physical, social and mental well-being, facilitates social integration and influences virtually all our relationships. It gives us purpose, self-respect and the chance to make a contribution to our family and society.

Conversely, unemployment, a lack of work, or work that we find unfulfilling robs us of these opportunities which can lead to frustration and despair.

In a society that equates personal success with wealth and status, loss of work and low-paying work relegate individuals to the margins of society. This can have a devastating effect on an individual’s self-image and self-esteem.

When considering what work to do, try to be thoughtful and selective.

Whenever possible, look for jobs that keep you
motivated, engaged and committed.

This is the kind of work at which you are more likely to excel. Look for jobs or careers that you enjoy, that leverage your innate talents and that allow you to realize your goals and aspirations.

The best possible work is work that you love.

Look for jobs, careers and/or business that allow you learn and to make a meaningful contribution to yourself, your family, your employer, your co-workers, your partners and society as a whole. This alone will allow you to lead a more meaningful life.

Whenever possible, try to find work that you love, work that is consistent with your values and work that allows you to generate the income you desire.