Loving Life Doesn’t Mean Hating Your Job

We’ve all heard it. The modern mantra that celebrates “loving your life” while dismissing the notion of ever loving your job. In fact, the prevailing culture seems to pit the two against each other: you’re either living your best life outside of work, or you’re trapped in the daily grind, waiting for the clock to hit 5 or 6 p.m. But is this attitude toward work healthy? Or even realistic?

The truth is, our jobs are a significant part of our lives. We spend the majority of our daily hours in the office, and this can shape our identity, provide purpose, and contribute to our personal growth. If we feel like our job is a burden every single day, the problem might not be with work itself but rather with how we’re viewing our place within it. Maybe, just maybe, we’re in the wrong place entirely.

The idea that you should prioritise your personal life over your work has gained traction in recent years. With memes flooding social media, telling us that life is meant to be enjoyed outside of our jobs, the underlying message seems clear: your job is the enemy of your happiness. But here’s the thing: work is a major part of life. Dismissing it as merely something we endure until we can “really live” after hours creates a false idea of rivalry between ‘work’ and ‘life’ that might be doing more harm than good.

This mindset can lead to a constant feeling of dissatisfaction, as if work is always in the way of happiness. And while it’s vital to have passions and pleasures outside of your job, it’s equally important to acknowledge that for most of us, work takes up a significant portion of our time. Wouldn’t it make sense to strive for something more than just tolerating it?

Think about it: your job is where you likely spend the majority of your waking hours. It’s not just about earning a paycheck; work can give us purpose, a sense of contribution, and opportunities to grow. In my own experience, I’ve found that even the smallest acts, like helping someone through a challenging process, delivering trainings, envisioning and implementing new projects or guiding a process to success, bring a deep sense of fulfilment that enhances my life, not detracts from it.

We often hear the phrase “work-life balance,” but maybe it’s time to start thinking in terms of work-life harmony. Instead of viewing our jobs as separate, conflicting with our personal lives, we can see them as interconnected parts of a bigger picture. A positive work experience can enrich our personal lives, just as the fulfilment we find outside of work can improve our performance and satisfaction in our professional roles.

However, this doesn’t mean that every job is a dream job. If your work feels like a constant burden, draining you of energy and motivation, there’s a deeper issue at play. Jobs can go through tough phases—stressful deadlines, challenging colleagues, or tasks that don’t excite you—but when these feelings persist every day, it’s a red flag.

Recognising when your job is more than just a challenge, but a true drain on your well-being, is essential. Are you unmotivated before the workday even begins? Do you feel undervalued or disconnected from the purpose of your role? If so, it might be time to evaluate your work environment and whether it aligns with your values, interests, and long-term goals. Sometimes, it’s not the job itself that’s the problem, but the fit. And that’s okay—it’s a signal that it’s time for change.

So how do you move from “hating your job” to at least liking, if not loving, the work you do? First, it’s about mindset. Viewing work as a necessary evil will never lead to satisfaction. Start small: look for parts of your job where you feel connected, whether that’s through the relationships you build with colleagues or the accomplishments you achieve. Sometimes, it’s the little victories that make the biggest difference.

Next, consider how you can reshape your current role. Maybe it’s time to take on new responsibilities that align more with your passions. Or perhaps you need to set clearer boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout. Even finding ways to take breaks or recharge during the day can help shift your mindset. Work doesn’t need to be a constant source of joy, but it shouldn’t be a daily drain either.

Before you decide to pursue a new role or seek a different place of work, it’s crucial to have an honest conversation with a mentor or trusted leader in your current job. Share how you're feeling and let them know about the struggles you’re facing. Sometimes, they can provide valuable insights or a fresh perspective that may help you see the purpose and impact of the work you're already doing. They might point out contributions you hadn’t realised or offer guidance on how to find greater meaning in your current role.

Often, a slight shift in mindset or small changes in your responsibilities can reignite your sense of purpose without having to make a major career move. Most importantly, remember that change is possible. If you’ve tried everything and still feel disconnected from your work, it may be time to seek a new role that’s a better fit for your goals and values. There’s no shame in recognising when it’s time to move on.

The culture of “love your life, hate your job” isn’t doing us any favours. Our jobs are part of our lives—sometimes even a significant source of meaning and satisfaction. If work feels like a burden every day, it’s a sign we’re in the wrong place. And that’s okay. The key is to find a balance where both work and life contribute to our overall sense of fulfilment and joy.

By seeking harmony, reshaping our roles, or even finding the courage to move on when necessary, we can build a life where we don’t just love our time outside of work but find value and purpose in the work we do.

‘Till next time…