What is your Work with a capital W?
TOTAL READ TIME: 2.5 MINUTES
How often do you get the question, “What do you do for work?”
I wish I had an easy answer. You see, after 22 years in the Corporate America jungle, I’ve held titles with words such as “client engagement” and “growth initiatives.” Usually, that leads to confused eyebrows and a swift change of conversation.
Periodically there’s a small voice of regret over my chosen profession, because I once dreamed of something different. In high school, I wanted to be a chiropractor or something similar in the healing arts. Why didn’t I choose that path? Either the investment of time and money, or more likely, the fear of living my own dream.
When I share my secret dream, friends usually say, “It’s not too late to switch careers!”
While this is true, I’m not going to become a chiropractor. I’m more than okay with this. I found great peace when I realized that what I do for my job has nothing to do with my Work with a capital W.
What are examples of Work with a capital W?
- Your job is a nurse but your Work is spreading comfort to those that hurt
- Your job is at the post office but your Work is to create connection in your community
- Your job is an office manager but your Work is to provide stability for the owner while they deal with instability at home
- Your job is a coffee barista but your Work is through direct eye contact with your customers
- Your job is a stay-at-home parent but your Work is teaching our next generation to live in greater kindness
What is your Work with a capital W? If you aren’t sure, I’m going to challenge all of us today: How can we transform our job into our Work?
In this jungle of jobs, you and I are part of the Web of Workers. You’ll be quick to recognize the weavers now.
When you spot one, you may not use words but you’ll say it with your smile: “Thank you for doing your Work.”
Smiling back, they will thank you for doing yours.