In today’s fast-paced professional world, it is easy to view a career as merely a sequence of tasks, salaries, and titles. However, thoughts from modern psychology confirm that the drive for meaning (a sense of purpose and significance) and connection (a sense of belonging and being loved) are not merely ‘nice-to-haves,’ but are essential components of a fulfilling human life.

These elements are fundamental to one’s career journey because they transform a series of jobs into a fulfilling and sustainable path. Meaning and connection serve simultaneously as the compass that guides your choices and the fuel that keeps you going. Let’s look at this closer!

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FIRST – The Foundational ‘Why’: Insights on Meaning from Psychology 

The importance of meaning, purpose and connection is not a new age idea; it is a central theme in in the social science fields. Here are some examples of well-known professionals putting these themes at the core of their work.

• Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist who survived life in a concentration camp, developed logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy based on the premise that the primary motivational force in human beings is the will to find meaning in life. He famously argued that those who found a sense of purpose were more likely to survive, even in the most horrific conditions.

• Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs places “love and belonging” (connection) as a fundamental requirement that must be met. Furthermore, “self-actualization,” positioned higher up the pyramid, is deeply tied to living a life that is meaningful and true to one’s own potential.

• Contemporary researcher Brené Brown has popularized the critical role of human connection, stating clearly: “Connection is why we’re here”. Her research underscores that we are hardwired to connect with others, and this is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.

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SECOND – The Career Roadmap: Connection to Self and Others

If finding purpose is a human imperative, how does it apply directly to a person’s career journey over time? It works through two distinct, yet interconnected, channels: Connection to Self and Connection to Others.

Connection to Self: The Inner Compass

Connecting with your own values, strengths, and inherent sense of purpose is the foundation of a successful career. This internal alignment is what allows you to navigate the inevitable twists and turns of professional life with authenticity.

When you are deeply connected to what is truly meaningful to you, this connection delivers powerful results:

1. Guides Authentic Decision-Making: This connection prevents you from chasing external markers of success, such as a bigger salary or a fancier title, which often leave individuals feeling empty. Instead, you make choices that align with your core identity.

2. Builds Resilience: A strong sense of purpose provides the vital “why” that allows you to persevere through challenges. When work is meaningful, setbacks are reframed not as failures, but as valuable learning opportunities on a journey you genuinely believe in.

3. Drives Intrinsic Motivation: Meaningful work is inherently energising. When you are connected to the impact of what you do, your drive comes from an internal passion rather than external pressure, resulting in greater job satisfaction and improved performance.

Connection to Others: The Support System and Impact Zone

Your career trajectory does not unfold in a vacuum. Connection to colleagues, mentors, and the wider community you serve provides context for your work and amplifies its significance.

The external connections formed at work serve several critical functions:

1. Creates a Sense of Belonging: Feeling connected to a professional team or community provides crucial psychological safety and support. It transforms a workplace from merely a collection of individuals into a supportive, collaborative environment where thriving is possible.

2. Defines Your Impact: The meaning of your efforts is often validated by how they connect to and serve others. Whether you are mentoring a colleague, helping a client, or contributing to a team project, your sense of purpose is confirmed by the positive impact you have on those around you.

3. Fosters Growth and Opportunity: A professional network is far more than just a source of potential job leads; it is a vital wellspring of learning, mentorship, and new ideas. Meaningful connections with others open doors and help you discover possibilities you would not have encountered on your own.

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In summary:

By prioritizing these two fundamental drives of meaning and connection—drawing on your inner values and fostering deep family and external relationships—you transform your professional life into a fulfilling journey of personal growth and contribution. Ultimately, it is up to you to put the time and attention to identify what matters and engage with work as a meaningful career.