The Value of Work
By Christopher Schneider, Director, Strategic Partnerships
Published January 14, 2025
One time on vacation in Spain, I offended a waiter by trying to tip him. I had read about the distinction between tipping in Europe and in the U.S., but I was still shocked by the attitude of the server at the prospect of getting more than was required. His point, in a nutshell, was that he was a professional waiter, well-compensated for his time, performing a job of his choosing as part of a revered profession that didn’t require a tip. While I paid the bill as is and moved on to the next experience, the interaction stuck with me. I think about this during our annual review process and at the prospect of getting or giving a raise.
Money is grand and it allows us to live our lives, fix our broken-down Honda, fund our kids’ education, and pay for family vacations, but finding fulfilling work is a much different proposition and not easily enumerated. Early in my career, I made the mistake of taking a job for the money. After the honeymoon, I felt unseen, unfulfilled, and yet overcompensated. “Boohoo,” you might say, but I can tell you that when you’re employed in a job that’s wrong for you, the money does little to assuage complicated emotions like feeling like an imposter or being undeserving of your station. Doing the grunt work with a fancy title and making a good wage can feel like living in a gilded cage.
As my kids become adults and contemplate entering the workforce, I’ve stopped myself from providing too much advice beyond negotiating salary. What I want to tell them is that there’s more to life than money. Job satisfaction, which comes from liking your environment, your coworkers, and the constituency you serve can make you a happier camper. The adage about money not buying happiness is true once you’re able to afford your lifestyle. When employees are humming along feeling satisfied with their work, collaborating effectively with colleagues, and remaining passionate about the mission of their employer and their place at the table, the days fly by and “work” sure doesn’t feel like it. My point is, don’t imagine for a second that this phenomenon is fueled entirely by money.
My cousin studied forestry in college, got a good job with the U.S. Forest Service, and spent time alone in the woods conducting botany experiments, clearing debris to minimize forest fire risk, and measuring old tree growth rates. He hated it and left within six months to go back to school to become a pharmacist. His rationale had nothing to do with money; he missed people and working in teams with scientists. I guess you can learn a lot about yourself by spending too much time alone in the woods.
As you prepare to give annual reviews, consider the nature of work and the mystery of motivation, and remember that money is usually incidental to why people stay at, or quit, their jobs. Most cite their level of stress, work/life balance, or a bad manager as the reasons for leaving employment. Perhaps like the waiter in my recollection, we should take them at their word and focus on the real reason people show up. Provide validation and gratitude in your feedback and guidance about the future and mountains yet to climb. A review should be aspirational as well as retrospective, and if you’re giving a raise, don’t do it without justification. Conversely, if the money is just not available, make sure you explain why.
What advice would you share with someone starting their professional career about finding satisfaction beyond the salary? Share some words of wisdom with your peers in the All Members Community on HR Exchange.