What kind of work would I consider “worthwhile”? This question actually turned out to be quite difficult. I decided to list what I think is worthwhile in work from most to least importance. This question was taken from material in my Internship class.
1. Accomplishment
I personally think Accomplishment is the most important component of a job. I believe that a job that allows you to feel that sense of accomplishment keeps you motivated to take on the next challenge. This made me to realize that I can never be an archivist. A single collection can takes years to finish and there are constantly more coming in, creating an eternal to-do list that would drive the life out of me. Since High School I have been working on several projects planting native trees and shrubs in a pasture in Kansas. The massive cottonwood trees that once lined the creek bed have nearly died out, leaving the area devoid of any beauty (unless you can consider a fat cow beautiful). It takes years of work before the trees are self-sufficient. I have tasted the bitterness of setbacks; grasshoppers, deer, drought, but I have been motivated by all the little victories along the way.
2.Self-actualization
Ever since I was a kid I have been drawn to things that allow me to be creative. I started with Legos and Lincoln Logs and later took a liking to drawing and writing. I believe a job that stifles creativity puts a roadblock in the employee’s brain. A sense of value is replaced with emptiness as we perform robotic tasks in a robotic way. I love work that allows me to put my signature on it, so to speak. When we lose the opportunity to be creative at work we tend to start glancing at the clock more and work becomes, well, work; boring, lifeless, endless, mindless work.
