You’re Looking at Work the Wrong Way

Quite often, we try to find an interesting job first and hope enjoyment will come later.
But what if the real skill is learning how to enjoy the work you already have?

Why this matters

From an evolutionary point of view, the human brain was designed for action: running, hunting, building, solving problems. That required a lot of psychological energy.

In the modern world, we no longer need to use this energy for survival. But the brain still produces it.

When this energy has no outlet, it doesn’t disappear. It turns inward. As a result, we experience stress, unrealistic fears, sadness, and negative thoughts about things that may never happen.

Paradoxically, the brain feels calm only after effort.
A certain level of discomfort creates comfort.

That’s why meaningful work is important. We need activity. We need challenges. We need a space where we can use our potential.

How to start liking your job

Try this simple exercise.

Imagine you have to “sell” your job to another person.
What would you say?

Write down everything positive:

• Who benefits from your work? A client? A colleague? Your boss? Your family?

• What problem do you help solve?

• What stability does this job give you? Income, experience, structure, time?

Now imagine you leave your job tomorrow.
Ask yourself:

• What would be missing?

• What have you learned here?

• What skills have you developed?

• What small but meaningful moments did this job give you?

This helps your brain see value where it previously saw routine.

If you don’t have a job - or feel stuck

The world is changing fast. Learning is no longer optional.

Write down:

• Your hard skills and soft skills

• The problems you can solve

• What is unique about the way you do things

Then ask:

• What hidden skills are inside what I already know?

• What skills did I develop in past jobs?

• What skills should I improve now?

• What skills will be valuable for me in the future?

This turns uncertainty into direction.

Understand your “why” (without pressure)

I’m not talking about a grand life mission.

I’m talking about something practical:

• Someone may depend on your work.

• Your result may matter to another person.

• Your effort may create stability, growth, or safety.

Ask yourself:

• Why does what I do matter?

• How can I do it better?

• What new skill can I add?

• How can I turn this into an intellectual challenge?

When work becomes a challenge—not just a duty - the brain engages.

And when the brain is engaged, satisfaction follows.