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Finding Purpose Through Work

October 11, 2024

Why Jobs Matter for Well-Being

For people in recovery from substance use, having a job can be an important part of rebuilding a stable and meaningful life. But work matters for everyone. It doesn’t just give us a way to make money—it gives us a sense of purpose and helps us feel important. Dr. Gordon Flett, who studies why people need to feel they matter, says, “Mattering means feeling like you are seen, heard, and valued, and knowing that what you do makes a difference to others.”

Today, people really want to feel like what they do matters. When we feel important at work, we aren’t just doing a list of tasks—we’re contributing to something bigger, and that’s where real purpose comes from. Positive psychology teaches us that purpose is a key to happiness. Dr. Flett says that purpose alone isn’t enough—we need to know that we matter. We need to feel like the work we do makes a difference. That’s what makes a job more than just work—it makes it meaningful.

Think about a teacher who works hard to help students learn. What keeps them going, even when it’s hard, is knowing they make a difference in their students’ lives. They feel appreciated by their students, coworkers, and parents. Dr. Flett would say they don’t just have a job—they matter.

Work gives us many chances to feel like we matter. Small things—like finishing a task, getting a compliment from a boss, or helping a coworker—remind us that people see us and that what we do counts. These moments of feeling important build up our strength and happiness. When we feel appreciated, we are more motivated to keep going, even when things are tough. This is why it’s so important for workplaces to show that they value each person’s contributions.

Workplaces that help people feel like they matter also help people feel like they belong. It’s not just about being on a team—it’s about knowing that you bring something special to that team. When employees feel valued for who they are and what they do, it creates a place where people can succeed and grow.

We all want to feel like we matter. Dr. Flett says, “People who feel they matter are more likely to thrive, not just survive.” Whether you are in recovery or just facing life’s challenges, finding meaning and purpose at work is closely linked to feeling like you matter. Work gives us the chance to feel seen, heard, and appreciated. When that happens, it doesn’t just change our job—it changes how we feel about ourselves.

In the end, it’s not just about making a living—it’s about making a life that feels meaningful.

Delvina Miremadi-Baldino, Ph.D., Ed.M., CAPP
Delvina Miremadi-Baldino, Ph.D., Ed.M., CAPP
Delvina Miremadi-Baldino is the Executive Director of Maine Resilience Building Network. She is a Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, a Certified Coach, and a passionate advocate for mental health. Delvina is dedicated to integrating resilience and health equity into the very fabric of Maine’s communities.
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