My oldest daughter graduated with a Master’s degree in English Education this spring. She is a talented creative writer and poet who is embarking on her Ph.D.  We also attended our youngest daughter’s graduation with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy last Saturday. Both daughters are excited about beginning their journey in the work world in professions they love.

All of this excitement and pride in our daughter’s accomplishments has fostered some reflection and a letter about what I’ve learned in my own work journey. They are lucky to find their life’s work early. I discovered mine late, but consider myself no less lucky. Here are my thoughts to them as they begin their life at work they love:

To my daughters

Dear Briana and Kelly,

I am so proud of you as you end your formal education and begin on an education of another kind; one that will last the rest of your life. This letter includes my own thoughts on the meaning of work to us as it is such an integral part of what makes us whole and human. I hope you don’t mind hearing some of my own journey on finding the work that is most meaningful to me.

Many, many years ago I was preparing to go to high school.  There was a “buzz” in the school hallways about elections for class officers.  I said to a friend who encouraged me to run that “I wouldn’t run for class office because campaigning would be a lot of work and I’d never get elected anyway”.  A teacher that I admired overheard the conversation and engaged me in a conversation about what he thought my potential was and that I should never let fear hold me back from doing something that mattered.  I ran for class officer and was elected (and was re-elected all of the following years of high school). 

Finding work with meaning can be a journey

This was the beginning of “doing what mattered” for me. For the most part, I’ve had bits and pieces of “what mattered” in my work, but it is only now that I can honestly say that I am on an accelerated path to experiencing meaning through my work.  I could wish that this had happened earlier, but wishing is of no use. I made certain choices in my life and my work, all of which are relevant and cherished. I learned from them all and each contributed to the joy in my current work. You will also make your own choices based on your own circumstances and learn from them.

I spent many years working in positions that allowed me the freedom to choose my path. I was appreciated for what I did and was paid well.  But the work I did up until now rarely stirred my soul.  I did good work but felt removed from a sense of making a difference in the lives of others, which was important to me. Yet I made good money which allowed you to get an education and for us to live well, so I’m grateful.

Eight years ago that teacher’s words came back to me and drove me to embark on work that truly matters to me. I could have settled for comfort and security in a well paying job, but chose a path that was riskier instead because it was the path of meaning. Through the choices I’ve made and the work I do with others, I know that doing what matters in your life’s work is of supreme importance to staying healthy, happy and making an impact in the lives of others. 

The lessons

Perhaps you can learn something from my own lessons. They are:

• Sometimes it takes someone else to shake us up and help us to set priorities straight. Listen carefully to the advice others give you.
• Work is life and life is work. We are meant to work, and it is an essential part of our life; why shouldn’t your work have meaning to you?
• Work should be engaging, life affirming, and joyful. It should feed your soul. Never settle for work that is any less.
• There is no such thing as work-life balance.  Work-life synergy is a term I like better. It is too hard to balance, which assumes that something is “out of balance” at any given time.  If you can discover and always keep in mind what matters most to you, you will discover the synergy that doing work that matters brings to all areas of your life.
• Sometimes you must make some hard choices that will set you on your life’s (and work) path. Reflect on them and know that you can choose to take responsibility and not just allow things to happen to you. 

Have the courage to do what matters in work and life and you will be healthy and happy. Never allow work without meaning to diminish your joy.

I love you both so much, and I admire your courage, Mom

11 Responses to “Meaningful Work: A Love Letter”