Not all jobs feel inherently meaningful.

That is to say, few of us have jobs that will create life-saving cures or negotiate peace treaties.

In other words, most of us have jobs that won’t affect the world at large.

However, every job matters or it wouldn’t be a job.

Unengaged vs. Engaged at work

“Honey, Costco called, said they had to throw out the samples cause you didn’t show up!” my husband joked for the 3,021 time. I considered choking him and burying him in the backyard. However, I like samples from Costco and Sam’s Club.

So, over the years of eating samples, I’ve identified two unique types of Food Sample Demonstrators:

Crabby:

To clarify, these people hate their job and show it. For example, he/she doesn’t talk or make eye contact, but he sulks and sneer when you take a sample.

Engaged:

On the other hand, these people have found meaning in their work. For example, there’s Meredith.

“Come on over here and try this aged cheddar.”Meredith smiled, holding out her tray. “Isn’t it delicious? It won Kickapoo Valley Cheese of the month, and this whole grain bread won’t bust out a tooth!” In addition to handing out samples, she’d give recipe suggestions and chat with people who wanted to talk.

She was so nice! As a result, I complemented Meredith on her pleasantness and asked her what motivated her to be so engaging. So, she responded, “Every day I tell myself: Today, I will do good in this world by being helpful and having fun!”

In short, giving out food samples won’t change the world, but Meredith found meaning and, therefore, great satisfaction in her job.

You, too, can find meaning in your work by exploring these three tips.

1. Shift your perspective: Dig into the layers to recognize how you are making an impact. Remember, every job is essential, or else it wouldn’t be a job. How does your job make a difference to the people you connect with every day? Small things can make a big difference.

2. Create Fun: People engaged with Meredith because she had fun. Instead of focusing on the mundaneness of a tedious job, do the work while making life fun for yourself and others.

3. Care about someone else: Meredith made herself available to people by helping them find something in the store, giving out recipes and chatting with lonely people. Everyone appreciates caring and kindness. What can you do at work to show people you care about them?

To sum it up, we all want to know that somehow our lives make a difference in this world. However, our contribution isn’t just about what we do; our contribution is it is how we do it.