Define “Work”

by

in
Daily writing prompt
In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?

This is a bit of a tough one, because when one thinks of “work”, a job often comes to mind. At least, that’s what my mind defaults to.

My perspective on jobs has changed a lot in the past nine months or so. I now tend to view them more as a means to an end than as a “career” or anything like that. To that end, my philosophy is now money vs. miles and expectations.

How much money can I get for the least amount of driving and doing as little as possible?

Now, don’t mistake that for “laziness”, my friends. I still believe in earning one’s money. It’s when the expectations for said money become an insurmountable workload.

No thank you. Been there, done that. Never going back again.

And if someone offers me more money and an even more favorable workload? Hell yes, I’m interested. Don’t care if I have worked somewhere for thirteen years or four months. I’m doing what benefits me most.

Now, if we are talking “hard work” as in, a good workout, a personal project, or helping a friend with the same? Then yes, that can be very fulfilling.

Please make note of the workout pants. Even though that isn’t my default attire.

A good workout because first, I truly enjoy it, and second, it helps me towards my strength, health and fitness goals.

Working on a personal project for myself or a friend (or family member), because it’s something I like, and/or it’s helping out someone I care about.

If we are talking those kinds of hard work, then yes, I do feel they can be fulfilling.

And one can respect or even have a passion for their “job”. Just take it from someone who knows: Keep it all in perspective, lest it consume and burn you out.

Stay well, my friends.

©The Beginning At Last


Comments

58 responses to “Define “Work””

  1. Haha! I started out kind of the same: “define ‘work’”. LOL! Hey, I don’t think it’s “lazy”, I think it’s all about perspective: this is what you pay me for, this is what I’ll do. It’s a great way to not get taken advantage of.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Yes, that’s the real kicker right there. And to be honest, if I can take a little advantage myself at times, I am not totally opposed. working man’s prerogative. 😄

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hey, you know what… shammin’ ain’t easy, but somebody’s gotta do it 😉😅 I’ve been there a time or two myself. Sometimes… you just don’t have the get up and go you need. LOL

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Well sometimes it’s taking one back that I feel I’m owed. Don’t want to give it to me? I’ll take it myself lol

        Liked by 2 people

  2. Spot on, Kevin! Jobs are just a means to an end—maximise gains, minimise hassle. True fulfilment? Personal projects and workouts. Keep perspective and invest energy where it matters most to you, not where a pay cheque dictates.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. You know it, Philo. Make it easier on yourself because no one else will 👍👍

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You got it, Kevin. Life’s a DIY project—if you don’t build it, no one else will. Keep pushing forward! 💪

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Always, my friend! 👍💪

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Glad to hear it, Kevin! Always ready for adventure—let’s keep the good vibes rolling! 💥😄

        Liked by 1 person

      4. We shall certainly give it our best shot!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Absolutely! With our combined chaos, we might just redefine ‘best shot’! Let’s do this! 😂💥

        Liked by 1 person

      6. We might! As long as someone doesn’t mess up the works 🤨

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Agreed! Let’s keep the chaos to a minimum—no one wants a surprise plot twist! 😅🔧

        Liked by 1 person

      8. No, we don’t. Especially now that you know who is back…

        Liked by 1 person

      9. Ah, the legendary return of the chaos maestro! With you back on the scene, it’s time to embrace the delightful pandemonium! Let the chaos reign supreme

        Like

  3. Nice post 🌺🌺

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you very much 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Good morning, great post, well done, good luck

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you and the same to you

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Hey there,

    I completely understand where you’re coming from. It’s important to find a balance between work and personal fulfillment. It’s great that you find fulfillment in personal projects and helping others. Keep up the good work!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks much! Always trying at least! 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Perspective is everything, and I agree with you 100%!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you Kymber. It’s not always easy to keep that perspective

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Work is simply effort. I prefer to weigh up results with outcomes, instead. Whatever the context. Maybe I am just lazy.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. ROI. Seems more practical by the day to me

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I think I am trying to buy my way into Heaven.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. When in doubt, bribe lol
        That’s actually a Sammy Hagar song interestingly enough.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. “Buying My Way Into Heaven”

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Now that is something.

        Liked by 2 people

      5. It’s off a greatest hits comp he did to fulfill his commitment to Geffen Records back in the day.
        Unboxed, I think it was called if memory serves.

        Liked by 2 people

      6. That is too far down the lore rabbit hole for me.

        Liked by 2 people

      7. I am a font of useless musical trivia. Can’t help it LOL

        Liked by 2 people

  8. Love your workout attire!! 😜 Glad my request was taken into consideration 🤪 haha

    Also work sucks. Let’s not talk about work 😆

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Yes I’d prefer to forget the past two days thank you lol

      Ironically I do own a pair similar to those but I’ll be danned if I know where they are 😄

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I prefer to forget the past week if I can!! 😫

        And they look super comfy! If I were you, I’d be lookin for em lol 😆

        That reminds me, I have so much stuff I need to throw out and purge.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I actually have a gray pair of sweats too. I wear those because I know where they are 😄

        Yes, I am done with this week. From start to damn finish.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Hahahaha 😆 it’s always good to know where things are at. I have grey sweatpants too. Don’t wear sweatpants too much unless it’s cold or they’re lightweight.
        Yoga pants, on the other hand lol 😆

        Liked by 2 people

      4. I wear them in the mornings and late at night when I am just bombing about at home.
        On a semi, but not really, related note, I have to officially retire my Doc Martens steel toes. I discovered last night that they are coming completely separated from the sole.

        RIP

        Liked by 2 people

      5. 😭😭 oh no!! 😥 time for some new ones. How long have you had them??

        Liked by 2 people

      6. Ages. I can’t even remember. I’ve had two pair in the last 8 or 9 years.

        Unfortunately, they don’t make them anymore, so I am SOL.

        Liked by 2 people

      7. Unfortunately as well, even the “good” work boots fall apart fairly quickly now. 🙄🙄

        Liked by 2 people

      8. These held on a long ass time, but they’re finally ready to be put to rest. Busting out a new pair today

        Liked by 1 person

      9. Oh, so you already have a new pair?? That was smart of you to buy them ahead of time

        Liked by 1 person

      10. I have two. Got them on various company dimes LOL

        Liked by 1 person

      11. Excellent, always love when I can get something useful from work, because “just a paycheck” doesn’t always cut it

        Liked by 1 person

      12. Nope indeed not. I buy the boots knowing I’ll need them someday no matter what. Lol

        Like

      13. PS – congrats on 700 subscribers! 👏👏 Well deserved!! 😊 so happy for you 🤗

        Liked by 2 people

      14. Thank you much. I had not even noticed. I’ve been down rabbit holes this week 😄

        Liked by 2 people

  9. […] some of my recent posts have talked about maximizing funds for least effort, there are old adages about true wealth being […]

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Music is probably one of the few legacies of humanity that we can be proud of.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Fair point indeed.

      Liked by 2 people

  11. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    👏🙌👏. You really have clarity on this, Kevin, and it’s strengthening to read!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Stephanie. Much of it is a clarity borne of several kicks to the teeth, Some self-inflicted, others not so much. Regardless, if anyone can glean something from it, I am thankful, as no one should go through all that.

      As far as “hard work” for ourselves or those we care about? I think most of us can derive a satisfaction from that.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. We’re supposed to work smarter not harder. Good job, Kevin.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You are 100% right on that, Mary. The more we give, the more they’ll take.

      Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to Kay Cancel reply