Not just a job: why purpose matters more than ever

Lately, after I left a job, I’ve had lots of conversations with friends, colleagues and even strangers about the purpose of a job. And yes, although it’s true that you do a job to pay the bills, what I’ve noticed now is that for many, a job is not only a job.

I don’t have to give you statistics about the time we spend at work; we all know what the norm is for most people. So what we want, well, certainly what I want from a job and a workplace, is to be around people who enrich my life, value me, and bring joy to my day.

Every person has their own values and things that motivate them, so not everyone is looking at the same job. But what feels common is this: more and more of us are searching for work that aligns with our values, connects us to something bigger than ourselves, and allows us to thrive, not just survive.

Work without purpose can feel heavy. It can lead to disengagement, burnout, or the constant itch to look elsewhere. But when work feels purposeful, it fuels creativity, resilience, and belonging.

Personally, I’ve experienced both sides. I’ve been in roles that felt like “just a job,” and I’ve been in roles where I felt deeply connected to the bigger picture. The difference in how you show up every day, your energy, your commitment, your wellbeing; is undeniable.

And luckily for me, I’ve found a place that sees me as an asset to the organisation, where my uniqueness isn’t something they simply “accept,” but something they genuinely see as bringing value. That, to me, is what purpose at work looks like in practice.

The beautiful and challenging thing about purpose is that it’s not the same for everyone.

• Some people find purpose in creating, building, or innovating.

• Others in helping people directly, in caring, or in teaching.

• For others, purpose is knowing their work provides stability for their families.

This is why workplaces can’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s also why leaders need to listen, to connect, and to help people see how their individual contributions matter.

What’s been most interesting is the conversations I’ve had with older generations. Many have questioned why I would leave a stable job and risk the uncertainty of unemployment. For themThat, stability and loyalty were the ultimate goals, my dad, for example, stayed with the same organisation for 38 years.  That was his version of success, and for him it made sense, because it meant providing for my education and securing what he saw as wellbeing for his family.

But today, the landscape looks different. Purpose, flexibility, and alignment with personal values are often weighted as heavily as security. And while stability is still important, more people are asking: At what cost?

I don’t think one way is right and the other wrong; they’re just different ways of approaching work. For me, leaving something stable but misaligned was not a failure, but a step toward building a life and career that feels more authentic.