Our Real Work, Even Without a Job

Currently between jobs, I’m fortunate that, for a while anyway, I’m not worried about being without an income. This is a welcome and rare opportunity to reconsider how I spend my time and where I put my energy. 

Subject to practical limitations, I realize that there are many possibilities.

People are jobless for lots of reasons, sometimes intentionally. The reason may be retirement, a leave of absence for travel, further education or professional development, or a hiatus between contracts. At other times, though, going without work isn’t so welcome, with unemployment being stressful and bringing hardship.

Whatever the reason and however long it may last, it does offer a chance to reflect on various matters. For me now, a phrase from a prayer revealed by the Bab keeps going through my mind: “… in my occupation or in my work  …”

This has me considering the subtle difference between an occupation or a job and work itself. If my job is what I do for money, then work is what I do for myself and others. If a job is about making a living, then work is about living. If a job has a beginning and an end, then work is ongoing.

The Baha’i teachings say that action performed in the spirit of service is a form of worship, and being paid money does not detract from the genuineness of the attitude in which it is done. I realize that even while on the job, there was work to do, even if sometimes it was hard to connect it all while meeting daily demands.

Admittedly, at times the distinction between these two words seems to blur, with both relating to fulfilling the purpose of life. Our true work is about self-improvement and contributing to social progress. Whatever may be my own potential to contribute to the greater good — that is my work.

Phrases from Abdu’l-Baha about the purpose of life include ideas such as: “… brighten the whole world of humanity … live in unity, concord and agreement … love one another … acquire virtues.”

Humans are innately social and outward looking. This means we can demonstrate our commitment to unity and love through being friendly without prejudice, working for justice, and aligning ourselves with noble ideals. Being engaged in arts and sciences is another way to do this — by expressing ourselves creatively or finding a better way to do something. These sorts of actions contribute to brightening humanity, even as we improve our own characters and acquire virtues.

Humans are like a lamp whose purpose is not fulfilled until the light shines. Similarly, our purpose — our work — is to find the source of that light and then illumine the way for others. Deep within ourselves we know that our lives are meant to be more than just pleasure seeking. We might say that being grateful for the pleasures of life is a spiritual quality, and then moving beyond pleasure is a sign of spiritual maturity. Being actively involved in life outside of our own self-interest, studies confirm, is a key factor in both longevity and maintaining a positive self-concept

So now, at least for a while, I have time to reconsider who I am, what job I want to do, and what impact my actions may have. This is a precious time, and I am grateful to have the chance to reflect on both my job and my work.