Money seems to be everyone’s top priority, but most recent surveys list money fifth or sixth in importance. We want to do what we love doing with people who care, and to leave the world a better place. Joseph Campbell is often misquoted as saying, ‘Follow your bliss and the money will come.’ But what he said is, ‘If you follow your bliss you will always have your bliss, money or not. If you follow money, you may lose it and you will have nothing.’
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Our search for meaning is a quest that may not be fulfilled right away. But there are many things we can do to bring meaning, regardless of where we find ourselves in our work. We can create a cheerful, creative workplace that brings meaning to ourselves and to the people around us. The most creative, effective, and meaningful workplaces that I have ever been a part of were a mixture of serious, dedicated, and loyal work and lighthearted fun. Be more team-oriented, rather than isolated. Be more democratic by asking for input and including others in the decision-making process. Be more open by knowing coworkers outside work. Be more cooperative by promoting an atmosphere of sharing responsibilities.
—Dave Smith, cofounder, Smith & Hawken, author of To Be of Use (New World Library, 2005)
