Don’t Join the Great Resignation. Find Meaningful Work Instead

#programming #work #learning #resignation

According to Willis Towers Watson’s 2022 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey, 44% of employees are seeking a change. The other aspect of the situation is there are enough lucrative opportunities in the market for all kinds of professionals.
I have been trying to hire in the last few months. Most candidates have many offers with good salaries and are trying to negotiate to get an even higher pay raise.
Lately quitting a job has become a fashion. A friend of mine is looking out just for the reason that he has been with his current employer now for a couple of years.
I don’t agree with such an attitude. My focus is to find meaningful work, no matter where you find it.

“It is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work.” — Jim Collins

Finding meaningful work

I have been in the software industry for many years. I see a lot of professionals jumping jobs without clearly knowing what they are going to work on. That is not wise, if you don’t know exactly what you are going to do, you might feel the same suffocation in the new place as well.
If you have freedom at your workplace and you can’t find meaningful work, the problem is you. You might not be looking at the big picture and missing out on new opportunities and places where you can add value.
Adding value in your current workplace or the new one should be your goal. I don’t deny the importance of compensation. Sometimes if you need to switch jobs, be sure what value you are going to add in the new place.

Is it easy to find meaningful work?

It depends on your organization’s work culture, on you, and your definition of meaningful work. If you have an open culture, there are always dozens of places where you can help. Find problems people or you are facing and find a solution, involve others in the process and then move on to the next problem.
To me, any problem that my organization faces is an opportunity to add value. Solving problems, and automating stuff are a few on my list when it comes to meaningful work.

Meaningful work brings you the satisfaction that resignation might not

Growing up I always felt a good designation and a great salary are the only things you need in your work life. After working a few years in the industry, I realized the most important part of work-life is to do great work.
Routine work is tiring whereas exciting work is refreshing. I always felt energetic, when there is great work on my plate. So I am always looking for new problems to solve at my workplace.