Careers Don’t Require A Purpose
TORONTO – Tuesday, April 23, 2024 – A new article published today in Harvard Business Review argues that careers don’t require a purpose, and clinging to this belief can often cause more harm than good.
The article is written by Stephen Friedman, an Adjunct Professor of Organization Studies at York University’s Schulich School of Business. Friedman argues that there is scant evidence that a single, defined purpose is necessary for a rewarding career. In fact, he says, it can be quite the opposite.
The notion that only a purpose-filled career will lead to job satisfaction is an “unrealistic expectation that often leads to more harm than good,” says Friedman. “The trick is to make work meaningful by making it a part of your exploration, as opposed to expecting a job to fulfill your entire reason for being.”
Friedman argues job seekers should shift their focus from purpose to meaning and argues there is far more evidence that connects career satisfaction to more down-to-earth goals such as doing “what you are good at” and doing “what you like, prefer, or enjoy.”
Bottom line, according to Friedman: “If you feel like you don’t have a career purpose, don’t worry. Research has shown that doing what you are good at and using your developing strengths at work is associated with greater happiness, satisfaction and meaning.”
Stephen Friedman is available for interviews.