Hazlett: The joy of work, even in today’s world

The 2018 column included a quote by educator David McKay: “The privilege to work is a gift. The power to work is a blessing. The love of work is success.”

After 45 years of employment, in jobs I have both enjoyed and dreaded, I agree that the opportunity to be productive, earn a living and contribute to an organization is indeed a blessing.

But in 2024, when we are still feeling the effects the pandemic, do people feel the same about employment?

How we work has definitely changed since 2020. More employers have adopted a hybrid model that lets people split their work days between home and office. Technology has transformed many jobs. Supply chains are not 100% reliable, and some markets still cannot find enough employees.

Yet despite the challenges, people still believe in hard work.

Two-thirds of respondents to a recent Wall Street Journal/NORC survey said hard work was a “very important” value to them. It was one of the few topics respondents agreed on.

People feel good when their work has a meaningful purpose; that hasn’t changed.

“When was the last time you met a farmer who isn’t proud to be a farmer?” said Bill, the third generation to operate their family farm.

His neighbor Jake raises goats. When I gushed over the cute little animals, Jake briskly reminded me of the nature of his work. “I’m in the business of feeding people, not raising pets.”

Having pride in your job is important to people.

My daughter works 12-hour shifts in a factory and comes home sweaty, dirty and exhausted. And she loves it! In her role, she’s learning useful skills and enjoys being part of a successful team.

A separate study cited by the National Library of Medicine notes, “At work, people can find moments of satisfaction and achievement, and they can establish social relationships that contribute to their sense of well-being.”

While it may surprise us, the study says, “Work can be a source of satisfaction, even greater than spare time. Researchers have found that if leisure time is devoted to solitary activities, low physical activity, or low intellectual effort, such as watching television, it does not generate a significant contribution to people’s well being.”

Maybe that’s why we feel more satisfied after finishing a task at work than watching reruns all day.

Other friends and neighbors had this to say about their jobs:

Angela, a Spanish teacher, finds fulfillment in opening students’ minds and exposing them to new cultures.

Alaina, a 23-year-old personal trainer, enjoys the physical activity in her profession and making connections with clients and co-workers.

Debbie, a cosmetician for 35 years, enjoys her work because “People feel better after they’ve seen me than before they came in.”