The Secret of Meaningful Work Across Gens

In these past few years, media - new and old, have been highlighting the distinct work perspectives of millennials versus non millennials.

Millennials have been described as having greater preference for employers that respect work-life balance, social impact and the environment. They are interested in companies that work for the greater good. Companies with purpose. Companies that don't merely create products or services.

Oookay. Got it.

That's one version of ideal work. But how elusive is that perfect job?

Priceless

One of the rare TV programs I like to watch is Shark Tank. It's a reality show where innovative startups pitch to five successful ‘shark’ entrepreneurs for investments.

At one time entrepreneur Kressa introduces her “Shower Toga” - a portable wearable cover nylon that enables you to change and shower-on the go outdoors, perfect for surfers, bikers, runners, campers, beach goers. It was something that she started to work on as a way of taking her mind off her breast cancer that she had been fighting.

After some skeptical sharks turn down, Kressa continues:

“I know I'm not saving the world or finding a cure for cancer. But this is something I have worked very hard on and it is useful and it is loved by a bunch of ranchers I’ve sold to.”

And that amounts to something.

Sure enough, she got two sharks on board with a $80,000 investment and her product is still selling online and offline today.

Alli Webb one of investor sharks, echoed Kressa's belief saying that when she started her dry shampoo venture, she felt the same way. A lot of people may not understand the need or benefits of a dry shampoo. But they are meaningful to those that do use them. And that amounts to something.

I, for one, can personally attest to that. When my terminally ill aunt was bedridden in hospital, for the first time I went in search for a dry shampoo.

It was just what she needed in a situation where she had very limited mobility and strength. It allowed her to have a clean wash conveniently, feel better with her cleaned hair, which also gave a sense of relief to family members who cared for her until her final days.

That, is priceless.

The Jeweller

Another person who wears the same hat is a jewellery designer I chanced upon last year. Self-described as an introvert, he quietly works solo with hyper-concentration on his delicate designs.

When couples meet him to design pieces for their weddings or engagements, they inadvertently carry a sense of hope and desire for a piece that would accompany the both of them for a lifetime.

To translate, meet and materialize someone's ardent emotions and hope, is what drives him, giving him joy and purpose in his life's work.

The Stonemasons

One of my favorite short stories is The Stonemasons at the Quarry.

It goes something like this.

A man was walking when he came across three stone masons working hard on a hot afternoon.

The man asks the first stonemason, “What are you doing?”, to which he snarls, “Can’t you see? I am cutting huge stones on a scorching hot day. Outta my way”.

The man approaches the second stonemason and asks the same question. The stonemason replied, “I am a stonemason, I labour all day smoothing stones. It’s my job as I have a family to raise”.

The man crosses over to the third stonemason and asks him what he was doing.

The third stonemason beamed, “What am I doing?

I am building the most majestic cathedral in the world that will put people in awe for centuries to come, long after I'm gone”.

Vision and conviction make a huge difference.

Ordinary Lives

Out of the ordinary experiences in our lives unbeknownst to us are moments made available to us by God to allow each of us to interpret, respond and grow intentionally.

He has given us the free will to find purpose and perspectives in our ‘ordinary lives’, to either propel us forward, or, be like fallen pebbles sinking quietly to the bottom of streams.

Have a great week ahead y'all!

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Since I have many who have asked me what design tools or app I use on my site, here is a link you can check out. It's called Canva - one of the most super-friendly tools I find for beginners with no design background like myself.