Finding Purpose at Work: Job, Career, or Calling?

What Makes Work Fulfilling? Insights from Yale Research

At the Yale School of Management, Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski teaches a groundbreaking course on finding purpose at work. Her research reveals why some people find their work deeply satisfying while others in the same position don't. The key lies in how we perceive our work: as a job, a career, or a calling.

The 3 Work Orientations That Shape Satisfaction

1. Job Orientation: Work is primarily about earning money
2. Career Orientation: Focused on advancement and achievement
3. Calling Orientation: Work feels socially valuable and meaningful

Research shows these orientations aren't tied to specific roles or industries. Hospital custodians, for example, demonstrate this perfectly:

• Some saw themselves as "just janitors" (job)
• Others viewed cleaning as essential to patient recovery (calling)
• Those with a calling mindset showed extra-role behaviors like:
  • Adjusting cleaning schedules for patient comfort
  • Building relationships with patients
  • Following up after discharge

The Science Behind Purpose at Work

Studies at HopeLab with UCLA's Steve Cole revealed measurable benefits when work aligns with purpose:

Psychological Benefits
- Greater life satisfaction
- Improved mental well-being
- Stronger social connections
- Reduced anxiety and depression

Workplace Benefits
- Stronger occupational identity
- Deeper colleague relationships
- Increased resilience during challenges
- Finding meaning in mundane tasks

Practical Exercises to Discover Your Work Purpose

Top-Down Assessment (Big Picture)

1. List your top 5-10 core values
2. Audit your calendar:
   • Does time allocation reflect your values?
   • Note energy-giving vs. energy-draining activities
3. Expand beyond work: include family, community, spirituality
4. Ask trusted friends what they think motivates you
5. Identify gaps between values and current actions

Bottom-Up Assessment (Daily Activities)

1. Keep a 1-week journal tracking:
   • Energizing vs. draining tasks
   • Meaningful interactions
2. Look for patterns in your entries
3. Try reflection exercises:
   • Imagine throwing a stone to "receive" answers
   • List admired people and their traits you value

Key Takeaways for Finding Purpose

• Your mindset shapes your experience: The same role can feel like a job or calling
• Meaning is actionable: Small, daily choices build purpose
• Alignment creates resilience: Values-aligned work sustains motivation
• It's never too late: You can reframe your work perspective starting today

By applying these insights, you can transform how you experience your work—whether you're an executive or a frontline worker. Purpose isn't about the title; it's about the meaning you create.