A Career Cheat Code

Sometimes, altruism only looks good on paper

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

"The truth is, while you are motivated to serve others, you are also motivated to serve yourself. That's why when it comes to figuring out what kind of story we want to live, we should look for something that is mutually beneficial." - Donald Miller, Hero on a Mission.

I read Miller's Hero on a Mission in early 2022. I cannot shake his thoughts (quoted above) on mutual benefit.

I believe Miller articulated a career cheat code. That's why I find myself referencing this idea several times a month. 

The secret to a lasting career is balancing the mutual benefit equation. Finding work that provides mutual benefit is the secret to meaningful and sustainable employment.

Is your equation in balance? Ask yourself two questions to find out.

One, does my work serve others? If you want a meaningful career, you must do work that helps others. It's that simple. 

This doesn't mean you must join the Peace Corps or start a non-profit. It means doing work that makes someone's life better—doing work that solves a problem for someone.

Two, does my work provide an intrinsic reward? Hang with me here because when I say "reward," I'm not talking about money.

Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, said it well. "The work is its own reward." 

You can see this idea in the Sherlock character. Sherlock believed in his work. The work itself carried an intrinsic reward. It tapped into an internal motivation. It gave him something beyond money. It gave him an identity that made him proud (not prideful…but proud). 

This is the most underrated key to career sustainability. You are in a great spot if your work provides something that money cannot.

Altruism is idealistic but also unsustainable. I know that might sound a bit unusual, but think about it. Altruism looks good on paper. Altruism preaches well in a sermon. But, if altruism does not include an intrinsic reward, it's unsustainable.

A lopsided mutual benefit equation produces burnout, not meaning. Admitting this doesn't make you a heartless, selfish jerk. Acknowledging this allows you to seek work that will help others and allows you to remain there for a long time.

How balanced is your mutual benefit equation? That is a question worth contemplating. The more balanced your equation, the higher the probability your career is meaningful and sustainable.