What the heck is a career that “makes a contribution?”
I have often heard my clients saying, “I just want to make a difference,” or “I want my next career to make a contribution.” This morning I found myself pondering these expressions, which have become a kind of catch phrase for “doing something worthwhile.” Here are some other elaborations they offer and I see their answers vary, but have a theme:
- doing something that I really love
- doing something that better utilizes my skills and talents
- doing something that makes me feel good about how I spend my time
I don’t often hear the contribution component leading the discussion, because most of us have our attention on what will make ourselves feel we did our right work here on this planet.
When my husband has heard me say that beyond coaching I want to contribute more, he’s suggested I use my spare time to volunteer at a career center or he’ll tell me to forget my additional pursuits being career related at all and go volunteer part-time with any charity. I’ve had to face the truth and decide if I’m willing to authentically contribute of myself. It isn’t about showing up more in my career or adding to my portfolio, sharing my expertise, doing something to make additional revenue, feel successful, or even to be noticed or appreciated. Contribution is the gift of giving. I also see that when I’m being pro-active in my life, working – or even playing – I’m already contributing to myself and others. Yes, you can volunteer too (and society needs volunteers and you always benefit from it), but not because of any personal results you expect in return. Now, your concept of contribution frees you from the lifelong quest for the right form of what you do to live a purposeful life. You can simply be engaged in life, take care of yourself and others the best you can, and live peacefully. It’s then you’re contributing.
“But what can I do??” you still might say. Whatever you decide to do. Just choose. And if you’ve gone full out for a career that isn’t working, choose again. You don’t have to make the save-the-planet type of choices, unless you find more peace and satisfaction in doing that line of work. Whatever it is you do will no doubt have the “helping others” component.
As one anonymous quote reminds us, “Making a difference is not about being a big hero. It is simply about leaving the bathroom a little cleaner going out, than when you came in.”
Tags: how do I make a difference, what is contribution, when you're stuck in your career choice
