What Is Your Why For Your Work?

Last year I was offered a job 2x my salary.

I said no. It was a great job, in a beautiful location and fantastic people to work for. But I don’t do what I do for the money. Here is a story about asking powerful questions to find your work’s core purpose.

I have been with my current company for 16 years.

Worked my way from voluntary worker, to team leader, manager, operations manager and now CEO.

But when you have been with the same company or done the same job for years, should you try something new?

Because when you are settled, are you still growing?

I had met the person offering me the job through a professional development course. We connected quickly and I learned a lot from him. He saw how I operated and wanted me to help his team. Plus he offered me a massive increase in salary. How could I say no?

Getting the offer made me reflect on what I do and why I do it.

Have you asked yourself that question recently?

Of course, most of us work to provide for our families (and so do I). But money aside, why are you doing your current job?

The job offer meant more money, which usually means more work. But I was not worried about that. Because being a CEO in a small company with 75+ employees means you wear many hats.

I work every day. I actually live at work.

So I started daydreaming. What could I do with all that extra money for probably the same amount of work? What would life in a warmer climate be like?

But then I realised the one thing I did not want to lose.

My current job connected with my “Why”.

I want to do a job that is a force for good in the world.

Something that sets the right example for my children.

A job that lets me lead to serve the people around me.

Sure, you have to be able to pay the bills. And more money can help solve problems.

But I was fortunate that I did not need the money. We are not rich, but our needs are met. The other job would have had profits at its heart.

Losing that vital aspect of what fulfils me was too high a price to pay.