Work worth doing

Many years ago I worked in Fire Management. It was something I was incredibly passionate about. Our native flora is, and always has been, something I care for. Unique in it's propensity to burn and regenerate thereafter it is also spectacularly beautiful.

I was paid tuppence and worked long hours but I loved my job. I was motivated to get to the office. I was invigorated by the work I did. I was encouraged to study as a part of my position. I received professional training during work hours. The perks of the job were non-financial but it was the happiest I have ever been in my career.

This is for one reason and one reason only. My work had purpose. 

What I did was worthwhile. Tangible. I made an admittedly a very small but very real difference. I was working for the betterment of society. The work I was a part of protected communities and rejuvenated the natural environment. It made me feel alive.

Fast forward twenty years and my work is immaterial. I am demotivated. I feel disengaged. I am not valued as a person and my contribution is not recognised. 

The moral of the story here is to follow your passion. More than half your waking hours are spent at work. Make them mean something.

And that's my New Year's resolution. Commitments between now and the end of the year mean I am not in a position to move jobs at the moment but I resolve to find that spark again. Life without zing is no life at all.