A professional or a job holder’s day can be divided into three parts: one-third for rest, another third for work, and the remainder for personal time. However, this ideal situation is often far from reality. When one has to work extra hours and factor in commuting time with traffic congestion, it is possible that half of the day will be consumed by work. As such, it is not unreasonable to assert that one’s work attitude and happiness directly impact society.

For many, a job is essential for livelihood. But is it true that we work solely for money? Can a job not be meaningful or interesting to us? What about those from financially privileged backgrounds – what should their attitude be towards work?

These questions reflect the thoughts of many professionals. However, is life truly better without work? This calls for more in-depth discussion.

The Meaning of Work

In essence, a job serves several purposes.

The first one is to satisfy our material needs. As humans, we require shelter, clothing, and food in order to survive, and money is needed to acquire these necessities. In society, the main function of a job is to provide a means of making a living. Most job holders aspire for better financial stability and a more comfortable life. However, it is important to be cautious not to be enslaved by the pursuit of materialistic gains and to avoid becoming overly consumed by the worship of money.

Next, a job can fulfil our interests. Our passions are the driving force that motivate us to work. When we are willing to do something, we will do it even if there is no remuneration. On the contrary, if we find work uninteresting, our motivation to progress will eventually dwindle.

Thirdly, our goals can be achieved through our jobs. When we contribute to the betterment of others or make positive impacts on society through our work, we gain a sense of fulfilment. Such accomplishments can be deeply fulfilling and rewarding.

Lastly, work allows us to gain valuable life experiences. The workplace can be seen as a microcosm of society. Through our jobs, we encounter diverse individuals, visit different places, and observe various ways of life. As such, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. Handling interpersonal relationships with our superiors and colleagues whilst facing new challenges at work enhances our personal growth and enriches our life experiences.

Strive for the Present

According to Mr. Josei Toda, the second president of Soka Gakkai, there are three criterias to consider when choosing a job: beauty, benefit and good. “Beauty” refers to a job that you find enjoyable and fulfilling. “Benefit” pertains to a job that provides financial security or pays well. “Good” indicates finding a job that contributes to society or serves a greater purpose.

Unfortunately, in real life, it is hard for everyone to find a job that fulfils all three criteria. Some jobs may pay well, but may not necessarily align with personal interest. On the other hand, you may find a job that you love, but may not provide sufficient income to sustain your livelihood. Additionally, those who are new to the working class may often find themselves in jobs that lack both “benefit” and “beauty” due to their limited experience and skill set. These circumstances contribute to the belief held by some that life would be better without the burden of work.

Rather than complaining about our jobs, Mr. Toda emphasised that we should first become indispensable at our workplace. Through hard work and dedication, we will eventually discover a job that aligns with our preferences provides a good income, and allows us to contribute meaningfully to society. In retrospect, we will realise that all of our past efforts and hard work have not been in vain. These experiences will become valuable assets that enable us to excel in our current job and future endeavours. Nothing is ever wasted.

When Mr. Ikeda was young, he encountered the same thing. He worked at Mr. Toda’s publishing company, and developed a deep passion for the publishing industry. No matter how hard life was, he found the work fulfilling. However, after the war, the publishing company ran aground and had to be shut down. Mr. Toda then ventured into a financial cooperative of a credit union. Mr. Ikeda had no prior knowledge nor interest in finance. In fact, he did not even like it. However, driven by his commitment to support Mr. Toda’s business, Mr. Ikeda faced the obstacles head-on and embraced the challenges that lay ahead.

Eventually, the financial cooperative faced failure, but the experiences that Mr. Ikeda gained during that time were invaluable. Mr. Ikeda often shares his own experiences and draws inspiration from Kōnosuke Matsushita’s belief that young people should demonstrate a readiness to accept challenges, even to the point of paying for hardships, as they strive in their workplace. This serves as encouragement for the youth to persevere in their jobs and pursue their goals with determination.

Plan your life and stay true to your choices. Enjoy what you have chosen and be indispensable at work. Doing so will surely create the best value at your workplace.

Translated from the October 2017 issue of Chinese Cosmic