I want to conduct a little experiment.
I'm going to make a true statement and then you're going to analyze your reaction to it. Ready? Here we go...
I, J.T. O'Donnell, work much harder than you do - and so do a lot of other people.
There. I said it. How are you feeling? What was your initial thought? Did you agree? Did you feel offended? Angered? Sorry for me? Did statements start running through you head, such as:
- That's not true.
- It's not fair.
- I bust my !@#$ more than anyone.
And, I bet you eventually concluded with:
You have no idea how hard I work.
Am I right? I hope so. Here's why...
The Truth Is Subjective When It Comes To Hard Work
If you go back to the beginning of this post, you'll see what really intensified your reaction was me prefacing it by saying it was "true." I made it clear I believed it 100%. Which means, when I said it, I was implying I'm better than you and deserve more than you.
Now, I don't think for a second that I work harder than you.
Yet, the above demonstrates how one person's truth may not be yours. Especially, when it comes to how hard you both work. (For example, here's an article that shows how working hard doesn't matter when you are competing against hundreds of other candidates.)
The Problem With "Hard Working Americans"...
I wrote this post to make a point: many people today are "working hard" and feeling like they're getting shafted. Granted, times are tough and the working class is struggling. Every news broadcast and Presidential speech discusses "hard working Americans" - and they're right.We're all working hard! But, my issue is they use it to fire everyone up in a way that I believe is counterproductive. They imply we all automatically deserve more, and their effort works.
Because, let's be honest...
Aren't we all guilty at times of thinking we work harder than others? And, doesn't that make us prone to thinking we deserve more than others too?
See the problem this creates?
I think it's very similar to a marriage. When both spouses think they are contributing more than the other, they often end up divorced.
Okay, So If Everyone Is Working Hard, What's The Solution To Getting What You Want?
In my experience, people who are happiest in their careers work hard because of the way it makes them feel. Yes, they want to be compensated and recognized for their achievements, but those aren't their main motivators. Instead, they work hard because they are internally motivated to do so. They get their main reward, a/k/a satisfaction in doing the work. They feel grateful to have something to do. And, most importantly, they have found meaning in what they do. (This article discusses in detail how important it is for people to understand the impact of their work on others as a way to feel happier and be more productive at work.)
A great example is my 72 year old mother. She has enough money to retire, but still works three days each week as a nurse in a elderly care facility. Some of the residents are younger than her! She is adored by patients, their families, co-workers and management. They have told her they never want her to retire. And, she has said she'll work as long as she can because of the joy it brings her.
Your Turn: How Are You "Working Hard" Towards Creating More Meaning In Your Work?
I'd like this post to be the start of a larger discussion around ways people are taking ordinary jobs and making them more meaningful. I'd like to as readers to share in the comments below:
- What steps have you taken to make your daily work more meaningful?
- Do you think your job has to be directly meaningful, or does working to pay the bills so you can do other things that are meaningful seem like a better option?
- Why do you think people continue to let themselves get caught up in the, "I work hard and deserve more," mentality instead of finding ways to create more meaning?
I look forward to seeing your comments below!
P.S. - First time reading my posts? Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Not only do I write for Linkedin, but I'm also founder of the career advice site, CAREEREALISM,and currently run the career coaching program, CareerHMO. I hope you'll check them both out!
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