Inspiration at Work?

[c9]

I've never thought of my job as a noble pursuit. In fact, I often get a little down because I don't believe I'm doing Good. I could be helping children in Africa, or building houses for the homeless, or even getting into civic politics and effecting change. But teaching people how to make a database? It certainly helps them, but where does the planet actually benefit?

The other night my company (well, a co-worker and I) hosted an instructor event where we brought in our favourite instructors and talked about the changes at Nexient, gave them a chance to talk to the CEO and with each other, wined and dined them, and talked about presenting what Nexient is all about in the classroom. One of the things that happened was my new boss talked a bit about how he sees the work we do, and it was the first time anyone had ever made me think about the Good that is found in what we do: "People are entrusting their careers to us." Thinking about it like that made me think just a little differently about it.

I still don't see overall Good in what we do, but the positive impact we can have on other people, not just on their activities, did make me think a bit.

I do think I'd like to find something I can do that I feel is more meaningful though. Volunteering would be a good start, but the way my work is right now I don't think I could find time -- and I think that maybe I should devote more of my time to Good than I currently do to Neutral.

Do you see Good in what you do? Do you want to see Good in what you do? Does all this talk of Good make you a little bit Pukey?

Comments

[ironmanjt.livejournal.com]

It makes me incredibly pukey - but mainly because I hear it 50 plus hours a week at work.

Happens when your Company's mission statement is: "Our Dream is a World Free of Poverty."

I often wonder how many people truly believe it.

[oldgrover.livejournal.com]

Well, ya'll are working to put yourselves out a job, so there may be some foot dragging over the last few stages..

-OG