Invisible Work?
by Steve Watters on 02/20/2008 at 8:28 AM
Do you ever feel you have little to show for the work you do -- and therefore have a limited sense of accomplishment at the end of the day?
That's a topic Jared Sandberg addresses in his Cubicle Culture feature in the Wall Street Journal this week. His observation is that when work is invisible, so are its satisfactions.
In the information age, so much is worked on in a day at the office but so little gets done. In the past, people could see the fruits of their labor immediately: a chair made or a ball bearing produced. But it can be hard to find gratification from work that is largely invisible, or from delivering goods that are often metaphorical.
I see a dramatic difference between the more physical labor I did as my primary job into my mid-twenties and the more digital work I do now. Projects like cleaning the basement or even mowing the yard continue to give a more immediate sense of payoff than today's digital office.
I remember a co-worker telling me a few years ago about his motivation to finish his basement. "I realized recently that all the work I did over the past five years could fit onto a floppy disc," he said, "I need to do something with my hands that creates more tangible results."
One person the Wall Street Journal interviewed described his jealousy of how Fred Flintstone felt at the end of his day at the quarry. "He seems so happy sliding down that dinosaur's tail when the whistle-bird blows," he says.
Do you find satisfaction in your work? If not, do you have any side projects or hobbies that give you a sense of a job well done?
1. Christina said the following at 9:03 AM on Feb 20:
I find NO satisfaction in my work.
And honestly, I haven't been indulging in hobbies and projects that do. A lot of that has to do with exhaustion from trying to motivate myself to get through the day.
I go home and sleep or sit around doing nothing because I don't know what else to do. I was exercising, but stopped seeing results there. I think your right - I do need a hobby that gives me solid, tangible results.
2. farmer Tom said the following at 9:28 AM on Feb 20:
This is why the "farmer" endures loading hogs as 5:30 this morning when the actual temperature was -17. Using hot water to thaw out the cattle waterers, because the cattle have no water. Pushing snow for more than 4 hours on Monday, after the Saturday night and all day Sunday snow.
Because, there is real pleasure in manual labor done well. Because when those hogs are loaded and on the road, I have a palpable sense of fulfillment in having done a miserable job and getting an immediate return for that job. Because when those cattle are ready for market, I will have done my job and done it well, and the result is hundreds of people having the very highest quality steaks and meat possible.
I could have done all kind of things for a career, but I don't think any job can bring the sense of fulfillment at the end of the day that farming can.
3. Caleb S. said the following at 9:53 AM on Feb 20:
I personally don't find a lot of satisfaction in the work I do, but mainly because the job itself limits my creative freedoms. My full time gig is doing graphic design, but my side job is as a freelance photographer, and my main hobby is rock climbing. I love combining the two.
The frustrating part of it though is the extra work I put in on top of a full time job. Those weeks I shoot assignments I will end up working 50-60hrs a week on top of my full time job.
My dream job would be to do something I am passionate about full time. That could be a number of things, but in the mean time I find some satisfaction in my side jobs-hobbies.
Ultimitely though, I am learning to find satisfaction in the Lord. I have struggled with discontentment in my job, but I'm learning the hard way to trust in God's providence and know that all things are for a redemptive purpose.
4. Rachael said the following at 10:12 AM on Feb 20:
Good topic. My job has its satisfying (and definitely mundane) moments, but in general I feel more satisfaction from other life involvements. I don't put all my eggs in the job-satisfaction basket I guess, if that makes sense. You can DEFINITELY learn even when in the midst of the mundane when your eyes are open, though, and over time I think I'm becoming more comfortable or okay with the mundane elements of life, even though I still sometimes 'think big' and at least partially pursue 'the big'. It would be nice to have a crafty hobby, though I'd have to somehow learn it and have the patience to continue it. Things I do find satisfaction in tend to be involvement with Christian groups/Bible studies and ministries/service, though sometimes those can be disappointing as well. I'm in enough of them though to where satisfaction does come in at certain points. Some satisfaction also comes from hanging out with friends and exercise. Haven't been exercising regularly recently, but I hope to run more often again. It can be motivating when there is a race to train for or someone to exercise with. Ultimately I know my satisfaction should come from Christ, but I do find satisfaction in various (seemingly spiritual and non-spiritual) ways. A renewed mind (thinking about Scripture or life through an eternal lens) can definitely provide satisfaction. My job is not my ultimate or main source of satisfaction.
5. Bob said the following at 11:29 AM on Feb 20:
I work in computer technical support, and I've found very little satisfaction ever in my job. The only satisfaction comes when I fix a customer's machine and he/she is grateful to me, but I generally do the behind-the-scenes stuff so that happens rarely.
As a result, I find satisfaction in hanging out with friends and working on my cars. My friends are very important to me, so having good conversations with them is often encouraging and fulfilling. Driving my project car (that was a non-runner when I bought it) reminds me that I've accomplished something useful and learned things along the way.
Regardless, I think it's time for a new job. =)
6. Melody said the following at 11:55 AM on Feb 20:
I got my bachelor's in art, and since I've been out of college for over 2 years now, I have yet to find a job that really allows me to utilize my degree. So, the jobs I've had and my currect job as well have had very little to do or nothing all with art or creativity. At first I got kind of bogged down with the constant mundane work. But then I started to focus more on the people I work with rather than the acutal work to get me through the day. I really enjoy being able to build relationships with people, and God has blessed me with great friends at work. When it's been one of those days where I've gotten to have a good conversation with a co-worker, that seems to be where I get the most satisfaction out of my day rather than the work itself. I still do art and creative things outside of work, and am starting to dabble in the idea of selling my pieces, Lord willing. I would absolutely love to be able to do that as at least part of my income. Plus, my dad would be ecstatic to see that degree he payed being put to direct use!
7. Becca said the following at 12:13 PM on Feb 20:
Neat article.
Reminds me a lot of Marx's theory of alienation.
I'm still a student, but I struggle a lot with feeling like the academic work I do is meaningless. I was a lot more satisfied and a lot happier when I was working on a farm last summer and eating what I grew.
8. Betty Miller said the following at 1:00 PM on Feb 20:
i am not relating with all this job satisfaction stuff. i graduated, and was umemployed for a miserable year. i grabbed the first job i could find, and i work in insurance. it's a cubicle job, and after a year of umemployment, "satisfation" was the last thing on my mind. i still am so thankful for this job, and go home happy just because i have it. maybe a job "you are passionate about" is too much to ask for.
9. Matthew said the following at 1:19 PM on Feb 20:
Even though I sit at a computer most of the day, I do find satisfaction in my work -- writing and editing over here at TrueU.org, Boundless' sister site for college students. I'm definitely thankful for my job.
This post reminded me of an experience I had on my uncle and grandfather's farm the summer after I graduated college. They were short on workers one day during wheat harvest and, not yet having a job, I was tapped to drive the grain truck. Back and forth I went from the field to town. At the end of the day I felt such an odd sense of satisfaction -- "odd," because I'm a nerdy writer, NOT a natural farm kid. I didn't expect to find much pleasure in what I thought was menial labor. But it was so nice to know I was doing actual, physical work. I had something to show for my efforts: grain in an elevator that would be transported to a mill where it would eventually be turned into bread for the world to eat. Even though the farmer's life is not for me, I can see why my relatives do find it so satisfying.
10. Brian Popp said the following at 3:01 PM on Feb 20:
Re: #8
Betty, I think you've hit on something very important for all believers. If we have a job, then we are blessed. God is taking care of us! When my wife and I pray together every morning we thank God for the jobs He has provided us. God calls us to be content (not complacent) with our lives, and to work hard (regardless of our job) as if we were working directly for Him. I'll admit sometimes this is difficult for me to do, but the prayer in the morning definitely helps!
11. Sarah said the following at 3:16 PM on Feb 20:
Well I am two days away from finishing up as a student midwife and I could not imagine a more satisfying job. The most satisfying thing about it is when you get to know the women over a period of time, helping them give birth and encouraging them in their mothering skills - basically helping them/being with them through what is a very intense (scary/exciting/happy/depressing) experience...my dream is to use my skills in missionary work, that would be the best!
12. Loris said the following at 3:58 PM on Feb 20:
I am a technical writer and though I sit hunched in front of a computer all day and often have put up with huge delays, I find my work to be satisfying because I know how the finished document will be used. I write manuals for military programs, and it heartens me to think I'm helping our troops by squinting at a laptop eight hours a day.
13. Jethro said the following at 4:48 PM on Feb 20:
Interesting. I have a semi-formulated theory on this.
Most people either don't like their jobs or find them mundane at best. So I think you should either work in a job that provides you with a particularly high level of income (doctor, lawyer banker etc), or you should work in a job that provides you a particularly high level of satisfaction (President, Boundless writer, anything you are truly passionate about etc). I think there are alot more of the former jobs around than the latter though - hence my enrollment in law school.
14. Leah said the following at 9:18 PM on Feb 20:
Yes, I'm very much like that. I lose patience with a task very quickly if I can't see progress. Even if I'm doing something mudane and boring (like filing, which I was doing this morning), I'm ok with it because I can see that I just got through all the 'A' forms... all the 'B' forms... all the 'C' forms... etc. If I'm vacuuming a messy floor I still enjoy myself because you can see your accomplishment right before your eyes. I'm quite happy ironing when I can see the creases come out as I iron. I like washing the flyscreens from the windows because you can see the dirt and grease pour off once you've scrubbed it and hose it down. I can see my progress.
Even though currently I'm just a casual where I'm working (although I'll be full time for the next 2 weeks, hooray!) and have only just started there, I enjoy what I do because I'm helping students through what can be a confusing enrolment system- and you get your results right away- you can see them progress from one step to the next, and so on and so forth.
I can see how a boring job would really get you down- we had some slow periods this morning for only half an hour and I was bored!
15. Yance said the following at 9:30 PM on Feb 20:
So true! I'm a college student, and it feels so good to work hard on the weekends or breaks when I have the chance. There is such a great feeling about working with your hands and working hard on a project.
16. DannieA said the following at 12:21 AM on Feb 21:
wow...I love my job...it's so interesting to me how so many people hate their job...that's really too bad
17. Rachael said the following at 10:20 AM on Feb 21:
DannieA (16), I wonder if it's sometimes a matter of perception; do people see the glass half empty or full, or a little of both? Like if I were someone else in my shoes (does that make sense?), s/he might say "I love my job!" There are so many things I like about my job (satisfying interactions, most students, flexibility, when the class is fun and when the students are happy...), but also many things that I dislike (grading, boring times, preparation, sometimes classroom management/difficult students and noticing students' negative body language...). Also the way I view my job can differ between quarters and classes; it's not always the same. Students change, class content changes, classroom dynamics change. Ever-changing. So in my case, while I like many things about my job, I also dislike things. If someone I didn't know well were to say, "Do you like you job?" I'd probably say "yes", but it is really multi-faceted. So some people might not be able to *clearly* and always say 'yes' or 'no' in answer to the satisfaction question. In my case, the answer is 'sometimes', but my job not where I derive my ultimate satisfaction. I'm blessed; but it's not everything to me.
18. Rachael said the following at 11:13 AM on Feb 21:
A quick PS. A thought I just had: maybe people can "love" and not "like" (every aspect) their jobs as people can "love" people without "liking" their character too much. OK, onto grading ;)
19. Mrs. B said the following at 4:30 PM on Feb 21:
I can relate to DannieA - teaching can be a very wonderful and fulfilling job but it can certainly have rough spots. But when I see the little lightbulb over their heads turn on and the "Ooooh, I get it now!" look on their faces... yay :)
My husband, however, has a hard time feeling like his work is meaningful outside of providing money. It's tough seeing him struggle with that feeling and I'm not sure how to comfort him. Any ideas on what to say to someone who feels like what they do every day from 8:00 - 5:00 is pointless? I know satisfaction is not found just in our jobs, but when they consume so much of your day how do you deal with the amount of life wasted in doing something you feel is pointless?
20. Rachael said the following at 5:30 PM on Feb 21:
To conclude my comments (well, perhaps)...I had another thought today. In case it's helpful for anyone who might be confused as to whether or not they feel satisfaction in a job...perhaps a distinction can be drawn between "contentment" and "satisfied". Somehow that clarifies things a bit for me; I think I'm mostly contented with my job, but it's not where I find ultimate satisfaction. This thought might be able to applied to other life areas as well...it might make 'being content' more obtainable if you see the discinction between that and 'fulfillment/satisfaction.'
And to Mrs. B (19), my sympathies for your husband's situation. Perhaps others will respond to you, and hopefully people who have had experience in reaching contentment even with that type of situation, but, maybe he could get satisfaction from his interactions with co-workers and from enjoying the little things about his day, maybe give himself little treats (a fun lunch or snack) or maybe little adjustments to make the time pass faster and more enjoyably, or enjoy his commute by listening to music, talking with people or reading/memorizing verse (if he uses public transportation)? Probably someone else has better advice...and yeah 8-5 is a huge chunk of the day, but, maybe hobbies and outside involvements could help motivate him to get through the day in looking forward to those things...and probably an attitude of prayer and saturation in Scripture would help; that would probably help more than anything else, though God can work in mysterious ways which might very well include techniques unbeknownst to us :).
21. Louise said the following at 6:38 PM on Feb 21:
I don't actively dislike my job (most of the time, anyway) but I do it for the money.
I do get personal satisfaction out of doing the job well, but the truth is I do the work that I do because it is steady work and it pays well.
22. Rachael said the following at 8:14 AM on Feb 23:
Project ideas for you [have not done all of them, but you can!]:
a) PLAYING CARDS. Make a deck of cards where each card represents someone or something in your life (last night saw a particular card game made in this manner [*so* cool!], though I think you could do a regular deck in this style...). Steps: 1) design each index card; include magazine pictures, words, and drawings. 2) put decorated contact paper on the back, and clear contact paper on the front.
2) MEMORY BOOK. Make a book for someone or a group. You can include pictures and/or note the fun inside jokes/memories and experiences. You can have them bound at a copy shop. My ex-suitemate made one where the focus was on things the roommates or I said and maybe things we had done. It was *so* cool, but I lost it :(.
3) WEDDING BOOK. Include bits of a calendar and advice for a gift for the couple or 1/2 of them. My sister received a *really* cool book where a woman had included pictures from a Mary Englebreit calendar and various tips/advice for a good marriage.
Happy adapting and crafting!
23. Athena said the following at 2:34 PM on Feb 25:
Thanks for the post and pertinent questions. The real test regarding work satisfaction comes the second year on the job, when I now know how to do most of the basic tasks, and expectations from coworkers have been raised. It is easier to feel frustrated at myself and give up when difficulties arise, and not rely on God as much as I used to. It takes a conscious effort to allow God to continue to be an active part of my work life.
It is comforting to know that our Heavenly Father never really leaves us after our initial training is done. He still watches over us as we continue to look to Him with each hurdle, however big or small it may be.
Things that help me combat dissatisfaction at work:
1. Personalizing my office space with reminders of God's presence: I've a small wooden nativity ornament my friend brought back from Israel. Reminds me of Jesus' redemptive work in my life.
2. Giving my pre-work time to God: I keep a small book with bible quotes for each day of the year. I like to read it at the office before starting my day.
3. Taking afternoon walks: Walking around the block after lunch for 20 minutes each day and just praying. Physical activity combined with solitude with God during midday is the best combination. Need to resume that.
4. Non-work things: meeting with my accountability partner every week keeps my perspective on work realistic. It's been helpful to share work burdens with trustworthy people.
If the reason for dissatisfaction at work is general, like fatigue or the occasional mundane day, then hobbies are great in temporarily taking our minds off of work. However, if the dissatisfaction stems from the realization that the job neiter suits our interests nor our passions, hobbies are less effective. It will be time to take a serious look at the work situation at hand and do practical things to change it.
24. Rachael said the following at 8:04 PM on Feb 25:
Athena,
Your suggestions at consciously integrating faith into daily life is inspiring. You remind me of someone I once worked with. During her lunch break she would receive spiritual input. She had a sensitive conscience and strove to do her job well. Even though I haven't kept in touch with her, her daily faith and heart for God left a footprint on my heart.
Thank you.