Work as Giving

If you find yourself constantly struggling financially, struggling to maintain a job, or simply struggling with being motivated to work, I would say this points to a larger, more basic character issue. Obviously there are various factors such as circumstance, age, upbringing, chance, natural talent, etc. that play a role in our financial situation. And everyone values money differently and has different priorities in life. But generally speaking, work i.e. our ability to generate income, is a tangible yardstick we can use to self-evaluate ourselves.

I think most people look at work from a very mathematical “me” frame of mind: “If I work this many hours, then I will get this many dollars, which will allow me to buy this or do that.” But what work is really about is giving. It’s about contributing to the world by creating value for others in some capacity. Financial compensation is just the result of that.

Those who constantly struggle financially do so because they struggle to give on a more personal, fundamental level. I’m not talking just about the concrete aspects of giving like actually giving money or buying things for others. I’m talking about giving of one’s self. Giving of one’s time and energy in all its various forms. I’ve found that people who have a hard time generating even just a basic level of income, are also people who have a hard time being selfless. These are people who always allow others to do the cooking and cleaning and never reciprocate. These are people who won’t go someplace or won’t do something simply because the other person wants to. They are ruled by self-interest. And that’s the rub.

But if you find yourself frustrated financially, you can ask yourself: “How much am I giving? How much am I contributing? How much value am I creating for those around me?” Chances are it’s very little.