Wisdom and Mastery
IN SEARCH OF MEANINGFUL LIVELIHOOD

These days, there are a lot of people out of work, looking for work, or working but looking for more meaningful work. And since we spend a good deal of our time working, it's wise to ensure that our highest values and priorities are being served through our work. I've heard from quite a few people whose "want ad" would read: "Seeking meaningful livelihood."

For many seekers, whether employed or not, job searches and livelihood questioning can be stressful and fraught with uncertainty about whether such high hopes and deep yearnings are realistic. While it can be difficult to be at a crossroads in your career or livelihood, it's also exciting in that it may open a doorway to possibilities that you would not otherwise see or consider.

The question that many people start with — about what they want, what they're really good at, and how they can best use their talents and contribute to the world — is one that only each person can answer, individually. There's no "one size fits all" when it comes to right livelihood and what one is willing to do and risk to actually have a sense of meaningful livelihood. Fortunately, though, there are resources on the web, in book format, etc., that might be helpful guides on the path to the seeker's answer on how to develop their career.

Sages of old have counseled, when asked for advice by novices faced with complex challenges, that one should "just start." A good place to begin is to ask questions and reflect on "food for thought," ideas and suggestions that you would then explore more deeply.

Six starter-questions that come most immediately to mind based on my own experience and the many queries and stories I receive from others:

1) What, specifically, causes you to think that your current (or previous) work is not meaningful, or could be more meaningful?

2) As you look back over your work experience — classes or degrees, various jobs, and even volunteer or "no fee" projects — what did and did not work for you (as in energize you, seem fun even it was difficult and challenging at times, etc.) in these experiences? What did you find lacking, missing, etc. in comparison to what might be your ideal?

3) If you could "guess" at a scenario where you feel your talents would be used and you'd feel as if you were making a meaningful contribution to the world, what talents or skills might you be using? What might you be doing, or how might you be contributing?

4) What would you like to see changed (or developed) in your community or world as a result of your work, in your ideal? How would you like to see others feel, or live, as a result of your work (whatever your work might be)?

5) What brought you to Ivy Sea Online's web site, and this article in particular? What on this or other sites you've surfed in search of "meaningful livelihood" food-for-thought has resonated with you or given you a sense of inspiration or enthusiasm?

6) What spiritual, religious or philosophical traditions and practices are part of your daily life (or past), or pique your interest? I always recommend that my client include such practices in gaining wisdom about purpose and opportunities for making a contribution through one's livelihood/work. Sometimes the answer — the truest one — stems from within.

You'll find additional articles and tip sheets on this and related topics in the links below. Wishing you an exciting, rewarding and joyful journey to right livelihood!

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