Meaningful Work Is Vital to Keep Depression Under Control

Here is an unpopular opinion: not everyone can turn their passion into a career and that's okay. In fact, not everyone should even try to do that in the first place. But here's the thing: doing meaningful work is indispensable if one wants to keep depression at bay. Even though you are not your job, the work you do does impact the quality of your life. When you do work that matters to you, life with depression becomes easier. This is a personal observation. When I was training to be a software tester, I was miserable. And when I became a writer, I finally felt a sense of satisfaction. 

Redefine Meaningful Work

First things first, I want to clarify what I mean when I say "meaningful work." Because not only do I not want anyone calling me out for being insensitive to everything that's happening right now, but also because I feel there's a lot of misunderstanding in this area. You must have noticed that we tend to categorize revolutionary work as meaningful. But does work have to be life-changing or grand to be considered significant? For that matter, does it have to result in a source of income to be worthy enough? In my opinion, the answer to both these questions is no. 

Meaning is personal, and, therefore, each one of us has to define it according to our values and belief systems. In a nutshell, anything that gives you personal satisfaction is meaningful, irrespective of whether the rest of the world agrees or not.  

Finding Meaning in Your Work Can Be Easy

Keeping all of the above in mind, I hope you will agree with me when I say that feeling like your job matters is very much possible. Yes, even if you are not pursuing your interests or don't have appreciative managers, you can feel like your work is significant. It took me a while to accomplish this, and if I can do it, so can you because I am rather cynical. Take a look at the video below for some tips on how I find purpose in my role as a writer.

That said, if something or someone in your work environment is toxic, do not blame yourself for, say, hating your job or looking for a new place of work. You owe it to yourself to protect your peace and work in a role that aligns with your needs. 

Whether you are a homemaker or a working professional, what makes the work you do meaningful? Please let me know in the comments below.