The Character of Work
The simple definition of work as provided by Meriam-Webster is “a job or activity that you do regularly, especially in order to earn money” (Work, n.d.). While, this is a simple definition of work, I believe it is not the type of work that defines a person but their work character which defines them. To understand the importance of what one does to earn a living, and whether or not work defines them, one should explore these ideas through the works of Dorothy Sayers, Margaret Piercy, and Annie Dillard to come to their own conclusion. In this paper, I explore the above mentioned authors’ ideas and explain the importance of earning a living while being satisfied with work, how I perceive the character of work, and the importance …show more content…
I do not agree with her idea we live in order to work. My belief is in a person’s work character. Upholding my work character is what gives my life significance; not necessarily the work itself. This character is displayed through my work habits and beliefs. Some of the desirable work character includes loyalty, strong work ethic, conscientiousness, self-starter, integrity, and a willingness to learn. My belief is when you accept the responsibility of a job; then, you must approach your work with a strong work character and, then and only then will all tasks be completed to the best of one’s ability. To devalue one’s own work with statements that I have heard in the workplace, such as “it is good enough for government work” or “they do not pay me enough for the level of work requested” is to work for the money. In a perfect world, everyone would find their calling, and then, their work would fulfil them throughout their life. Nevertheless, countless people struggle to find their place. I am one of these people. For me, first and foremost, I need to be of use and the work needs to be worthy of my skills; along with a management who values my work and recognizes my worth to the …show more content…
One idea consistent for me is I would rather work for free helping people than be undervalued in my work, especially if the work is driven by the bottom line. One verse in Margaret Piercy’s (2006) poem “To be of Use” defining the essence of me is “But the thing worth doing well done has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident” (p. 200). In my daily life, I try my best to raise my level of satisfaction through valuing and being useful to people. In my experience, working too many hours did not bring me satisfaction and allowed all the other parts of my life to suffer. Work can define and satisfy part of my purpose in this world, but the remaining purpose or usefulness is defined by whom and how I
The simple definition of work as provided by Meriam-Webster is “a job or activity that you do regularly, especially in order to earn money” (Work, n.d.). While, this is a simple definition of work, I believe it is not the type of work that defines a person but their work character which defines them. To understand the importance of what one does to earn a living, and whether or not work defines them, one should explore these ideas through the works of Dorothy Sayers, Margaret Piercy, and Annie Dillard to come to their own conclusion. In this paper, I explore the above mentioned authors’ ideas and explain the importance of earning a living while being satisfied with work, how I perceive the character of work, and the importance …show more content…
I do not agree with her idea we live in order to work. My belief is in a person’s work character. Upholding my work character is what gives my life significance; not necessarily the work itself. This character is displayed through my work habits and beliefs. Some of the desirable work character includes loyalty, strong work ethic, conscientiousness, self-starter, integrity, and a willingness to learn. My belief is when you accept the responsibility of a job; then, you must approach your work with a strong work character and, then and only then will all tasks be completed to the best of one’s ability. To devalue one’s own work with statements that I have heard in the workplace, such as “it is good enough for government work” or “they do not pay me enough for the level of work requested” is to work for the money. In a perfect world, everyone would find their calling, and then, their work would fulfil them throughout their life. Nevertheless, countless people struggle to find their place. I am one of these people. For me, first and foremost, I need to be of use and the work needs to be worthy of my skills; along with a management who values my work and recognizes my worth to the …show more content…
One idea consistent for me is I would rather work for free helping people than be undervalued in my work, especially if the work is driven by the bottom line. One verse in Margaret Piercy’s (2006) poem “To be of Use” defining the essence of me is “But the thing worth doing well done has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident” (p. 200). In my daily life, I try my best to raise my level of satisfaction through valuing and being useful to people. In my experience, working too many hours did not bring me satisfaction and allowed all the other parts of my life to suffer. Work can define and satisfy part of my purpose in this world, but the remaining purpose or usefulness is defined by whom and how I