What Is Work?

Work has been, for most of us, a Monday–to–Friday, eight–hour–a–day thing. Nevertheless, many people—myself included—piece together a few jobs in order to find fulfillment and to make ends meet. I work part–time at Centerpoint and I have a private counseling practice. Before now, most of my jobs have been a regular nine–to–five gig.

Lately I have been asking myself: what is “work?” Is it “work” to read a book that will help me to be a better counselor? Is it “work” to talk to a colleague about ideas on how to improve marketing at Centerpoint? The answer, most likely, is “yes” to these questions, but the results of my time spent “working” are less measurable or accountable than when I sit at a desk for eight hours with a half–hour lunch break.

I wonder if we are thinking about work backwards? What if, what we are doing instead is living life, with the work intertwined? What if I gave myself permission to let work weave in and out of my life in a more natural way? (And, can I make enough money if I do that?)

I still am a big believer in structure, but I’m wondering if some of the ideas about work that I have been toting around for years can be let go of. Generally, I am not a lazy person, but I can be unproductive when I get discouraged or lose energy for what it is that I’m trying to accomplish. So, for me, part of “work” is making sure that I stay energized and remember my vision and my purpose for doing the “work” in the first place.

What keeps you encouraged and productive?