The Real Reason We Show Up Every Day
Every morning, millions of us wake up, get dressed and start work. Some commute across London, others open a laptop at the kitchen table. Our specialities, roles and routines may differ, but the question remains the same: Why do we show up every day?
At first glance, the answer might seem straight forward. We all need to earn money to cover our responsibilities and our social time.
However, if we look a little closer, the real enjoyment comes from something less tangible. Here’s what that might look like:-
The Traditional View: Work as Survival
Historically, work has been a recognition that to exist and function within the current economic system, people must provide a service or a skill in exchange for compensation to meet their needs and participate in society.
You literally work to put food on the table, keep a roof over your head and, if you have a family, provide for those you love.
With a huge rise in energy, food and travel costs, that mindset still drives many people.
But once basic needs are met, this purely transactional view of work starts to feel limiting. Earning a living is necessary, yes, but it’s not always satisfying. Over time, making ends meet alone doesn’t inspire us to keep going. We begin to look for something more.
Beyond the Paycheck: The Search for Meaning
There comes a point in most careers where people start asking “Am I still getting the joy from this job that I did in the beginning?” and start wondering “What does this job actually mean to me?”
We want to feel like the work we do matters. We want to believe that the hours we spend working aren’t just ticking boxes, they’re creating value, solving problems, or making a difference. This shift marks the beginning of the search for meaning.
Some find meaning in helping others, in solving complex challenges, or in creating something new. Others find it in learning, leadership, or legacy. Whatever it looks like, meaning at work is what transforms a job into a source of purpose and purpose is what keeps us going when things get tough.
Connection and Contribution
In the tech world, the likes of Google and SAP have had Chief Happiness Officers (CHOs) on their team for some years, because they understand the importance of feeling happiness through connection and contribution at work.
Additionally, many companies have CHOs who go by other titles but essentially do the same things, such as Coca-Cola’s ‘Benefits and Well-Being Manager’, Ernst & Young’s ‘Chief Well-Being Officer’, Salesforce’s ‘SVP of Employee Success’ and TikTok’s ‘Global Well-Being Program Manager’.
A Chief Happiness Officer (CHO) fosters connection and contribution by implementing strategies that improve employee satisfaction, well-being, and engagement.
This creates a positive culture, facilitates communication and connects personal achievements to the company’s broader goals. These organisations know that we don’t just show up for the tasks. We show up for the people and the purpose.
How to Find Your “Why” at Work
So how do you move beyond survival and into purpose? How do you find that deeper motivation?
Start with reflection. Ask yourself:
- What moments at work have made me feel proud?
- What kind of tasks energise me and don’t drain me (being realistic as not all roles are perfect all of the time!)?
- Who benefits from the work I do and why does that matter to me?
- What are the values that are important for me to see in my workplace?
Your “why” doesn’t have to be dramatic. If you have a motivator type personality you might enjoy a high energy, leadership role, analytical people might really thrive in a structured environment whereas introverted people might prefer independent work with deep focus. Alternatively, you might decide that it is time to push yourself out of your comfort zone and do the exact opposite to what you normally lean into, and relish, the feeling of satisfaction having done it.
When you connect your work to your personal “why,” even mundane tasks can feel more meaningful. You start to feel the bigger picture. And that’s when real engagement happens.
The real reason we show up every day?
It’s not just about paying the bills. We are emotional beings who need to feel fulfilled, and a sense of purpose combined with good friendships at work and a sense of connection to the broader business goals improves work wellbeing, productivity and for an employer means they have a happy, healthy workforce.
Get in Touch
If you would like to reach out to discuss your next career move or you have seen one of our current company secretary roles at BWW Recruitment, visit: https://bwwrecruitment.com/candidates/latest-roles/
Email us on team@bwwrecruitment.com
Alternatively, call our professional team on 020 7593 0010.