Why Do People Work? [PHIL-OSOPHY]

I was talking about why people aren't returning to work, when my friend sarcastically asked what's the point of life if all you do is work, work, work?

I understand where he's coming from. Over the course of your lifetime, you'll have worked, on average, about 90,000 hours.

Since the news that employers can't find workers to fill the jobs, I started thinking about not only employment, but also what's the purpose of work in the first place? I honestly think work is built in to our DNA, and that the "occupation chromosome" needs to be sustained with meaning and passion. Otherwise, what's the point of working at a job you don't like?

Even though I thoroughly love what I do, I had to answer the question of what's the point of working at this COVID phase in time ? Why not wait until the fall, when all the benefits start going away?

I came up with a few reasons for why locals ought to get back to business right now. Off the top, the most important reason is to get back your personal purpose. If you're generally happy with your job, chances are good that your job improves and brightens your life, especially if you serve a greater good or have the desire to be needed and appreciated.

I realize people work to make money. But I think we can all agree that there's a lot more to life than just making money. I'm also thinking that maybe there are people who don't want to return to their old jobs because it's purposeless, and a dead end for them. So instead going back to work, they'll just ride it out until the September, hoping to have an "aha!" moment. I have a better idea.

On my word of honor, MassHire Career Center can help you find meaningful work, and they'll help train you for a job you'll jump out of bed for, that will be personally fulfilling and rewarding.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.