“It is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life. And it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work.”
—Jim Collins
I had a great day last week and spent a few minutes reflecting on why. The answer surprised me in its simplicity: I spent the entire day living authentically, doing the things I most cared about and enjoyed. There was nothing grand about it. I didn’t fly anywhere, or win any awards. In fact, for great parts of that day no one was even around to watch. I was the sole judge of my experiences. No one praised me. No one said “Wow, Kevin, you really rocked it today.”
It also wasn’t a day off; I worked most of the day, but I was doing the kind of work that matters to me, work I enjoy and believe in. Sacrifice was involved, but it was for people, organizations, and ideas that I authentically care about. This is why our choices around career and place of work matter. We need companies, jobs, and roles we believe in so that the sacrifice of working is worth it to us. Otherwise, we are destined to spend decades of our lives in activities that hold little meaning.
Gallup reports that in 2024, only 32 percent of American workers found their jobs meaningful. Work should have significance for those who do it. There are no unimportant jobs, only people who feel unimportant while doing them. If you are consistently unhappy at work, it’s time to make a change.
At Hancock Lumber I expect people to thrive at work, and if someone is consistently not thriving, that means change may be required. Across my management career I have invested as much time helping people leave our company as I have in helping them join it. Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. The key to ensuring a great workplace is to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and do the kind of work they enjoy and find meaningful.
Seeking is the biggest step in finding. If we settle for a job we don’t love, we forfeit a big part of our opportunity to experience joy. Life is too short to live only on the weekends; some of your best days should be at work.
Find the meaning in your work, or find new work!
