When is the Work Ever Done?

The interview question goes something like this:  "How do you know when it is time to go home at the end of the day?"

And the eager interviewee will answer:  "When all of the work is done."

Really?

I think the answer demonstrates a basic misunderstanding about the purpose of work.  In reality, we should probably recognize that the work is never really done.

Let's not confuse "tasks" with "work."   We may well complete a task, or several tasks during the day - and that means that specific task is done.   It does not mean, however, that everything that we could possibly do is done.  The very nature of work is that it goes on. . .even without us.  In all likelihood, when the time comes for us to leave a job - the work doesn't end - it just changes the person who is doing the work.

I think this brings us to a fundamental discomfort with work; and that fundamental discomfort is unfortunate.  Let's understand that work is purpose.  Work sustains life. (Even if we aren't working in a job - it doesn't mean we aren't working.  Cleaning the house is work.   Buying groceries is work.  Even planning a holiday can be considered work).  Culturally we are so pressed to "play" that the concept of work becomes undesirable  - and generally that's wrong.

What's right is to understand the balance we need between work and play, between professional life and personal life - and to be comfortable in that balance.

The work, much like the play, is always present.  The opportunities of both always wait.  The work is never really done.

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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders"  is available on Amazon Kindle.