Workaholism and the Myth of a Single Purpose: Finding Balance in Life

[Anderson]

The connection between this narrative and workaholism lies in the idea that when someone fixates on a single vocation or mission, they may fall into the trap of workaholism - where they become consumed by their work to the exclusion of other aspects of life. Workaholism is often a symptom of this narrow focus, where a person believes that their work is their sole source of identity, purpose, or fulfillment.

In the context of the narrative:

- Fixating on a single vocation or mission can lead to an unhealthy obsession with work, as the individual seeks all their fulfillment from one aspect of life.
- Workaholism is a manifestation of this fixation, where a person’s life becomes dominated by their work, often at the expense of their well-being, relationships, and other potential passions or purposes.
- The narrative suggests that by recognizing the roles of mission, passion, and work as separate but complementary, a person can avoid the pitfalls of workaholism. Instead, they can lead a more balanced life, finding fulfillment in multiple areas rather than being consumed by just one.

Thus, workaholism is the danger that arises when one conflates their entire sense of purpose with their job or vocation, ignoring the broader potentials and purposes that life offers.

 

Abraham Lincoln was a natural-born politician. Yet, at the height of his career, he feared carrying a pocket knife with him, as his depression was so severe that he worried he might use it against himself. Winston Churchill, another politician by nature, battled his depression through writing. His depression was so intense during his peak years that he managed to write 43 books simultaneously. This raises the question: is politics inherently a thankless job? Not necessarily. Take Robin Williams, a natural actor and comedian who ended his life by suicide. Perhaps it’s fame that ruins everything? Again, not the case. Wayne Oates, a psychologist who wasn't particularly famous but deeply loved his work, was shocked when he found out that his own son had booked an appointment with him because he had no other way to talk to his father calmly. This led Oates to coin the term "workaholism."

We often think that finding our calling in life will change everything. The notion of discovering one's true calling  doing something you're meant to do and dedicating your life to it—seems appealing. But is it really as good as it seems? Consider Jay Little, a famous double bassist who began her career with the city's symphony orchestra and played for 71 years until she passed away at 87, right on stage while performing "There’s No Business Like Show Business." Her life seems like the perfect example of a person who found their calling and devoted their entire existence to it. But is this really ideal?

The word “vocation” comes from the Latin root that means "to call," similar to being drafted into military service. This raises some suspicions. While it might seem like the concept of vocation has been around forever, it's relatively recent, originating with the rise of industrialization. The concept was tied closely to the exploitation of child labor. Yes, you heard that right. The idea of vocation was popularized by Frank Parsons in 1908, who ran an employment agency that focused on finding the right children for factory jobs rather than fitting jobs to people. The agency treated children as parts of a machine, fitting them into roles based on psychological tests designed to determine their suitability for specific jobs.

The romanticized notion of vocation has hardly changed since then. The idea was, and still is, about making a person a part of a machine—a cog in the wheel of production. This suggests that people have one specific function, like ants in a colony: one builds, another heals, and another leads.

But we are not suitcases or chairs, destined for one purpose. The writer Arthur Brooks, in his book "Strength to Strength," sums it up well: If you've ever said, "My work is my life," then losing that job would feel like death. The problem with tying your identity to a single vocation is that it limits your potential for self-realization. We mistakenly equate vocation with fulfillment. But unlike inanimate objects, people can't fully realize themselves through a single function or activity. Humans are flexible, versatile, and capable of much more.

Psychologists Ronald Fredrickson and John Rod in 1972 introduced the term "multipotentiality," which reflects the idea that a person, given the right environment, can develop multiple skills and interests. However, this concept isn't new. People like Leonardo da Vinci were not exceptions, but rather the norm before industrialization pushed the idea of a single vocation. For example, Maurice Maeterlinck was a successful lawyer and a well-known writer. Daniel Defoe, famous for "Robinson Crusoe," was also a professional spy. Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, was a monk and a scientist. Victor Hugo was not only a writer but also a politician who nearly became the ruler of France.

Throughout history, many individuals have shown that they can excel in multiple areas. The fixation on vocation emerged as a way to fit people into the demands of industrial society. In reality, people are capable of many things and shouldn't be confined to just one path.

So, what should we do instead of searching for a single calling? There are three distinct forms of fulfillment: mission, passion, and work. The key is not to mix them up. A mission is something you do because you believe it’s important for the world, society, or your country. A passion is something you do purely for enjoyment, and work is something you do to earn money.

Missions, like helping refugees or volunteering, are driven by a sense of importance. Passions allow for freedom and creativity, while work is about necessity and income. Understanding the difference between these three can prevent you from feeling trapped or unfulfilled. For example, if you try to make money from your passion, it might stop being a passion and become work, where you no longer do what you love but what others want from you.

If your job doesn’t bring you joy but pays the bills, that’s okay—it serves its purpose. If your work doesn’t pay enough, it might be time to find something that aligns better with what people need because they pay for what they value.

For me, the most important of these three is mission. What about you? Think about it, and while you’re at it, remember that even something as mundane as a treadmill was originally invented as a torture device in prisons. The things we take for granted often have surprising histories.

In summary, the idea that you must find one single vocation to be fulfilled is misleading. Humans are versatile, capable of finding meaning and success in multiple areas of life. So, rather than tying your identity to a single vocation, explore different paths and embrace the complexity of your potential.

Final Thoughts

The narrative highlights the danger of fixating on a single vocation as the key to fulfillment. The truth is, people are multifaceted and capable of finding purpose and happiness in various aspects of life. By recognizing that mission, passion, and work serve different roles, we can better balance our lives and avoid the trap of thinking that one path will fulfill all our needs. It’s important to explore, adapt, and embrace the many potentials within us rather than confining ourselves to a single, often narrow, definition of success.

[Anri]

You’ve brought up some crucial points about workaholism and the notion of a single vocation. It's clear that the concept of finding a singular purpose or calling can sometimes lead to unhealthy obsessions with work, neglecting other important aspects of life.
From my own experience, I’ve found that focusing too narrowly on one vocation can indeed lead to burnout and unfulfillment. For a long time, I believed that my work had to be my primary source of identity and that finding the perfect career that suits my needs and vision was going to be the ultimate endgame. 
I’d like to know your take on this…
Have you found any specific activities or practices that help you shift your focus away from work and towards other sources of fulfilment?
It’s true that people have to be reminded that they are only humans and not are not machines. The idea that we are multifaceted beings capable of finding meaning in various areas resonates deeply. It’s a powerful reminder that our potential is not limited to one path but can be explored through different roles and activities. 

[Anderson]

Hello Anri,

Thank you for sharing your experience and insights. It’s clear that you’ve wrestled with the same challenges many of us face: the pressure to find a singular vocation that defines our identity and brings ultimate fulfillment. This narrative can be compelling, but as you’ve noted, it often leads to burnout and a sense of emptiness when that one area of life doesn’t deliver all it promises.

Shifting focus away from work and exploring other sources of fulfillment is crucial for a balanced and satisfying life. Here are a few practices that have helped me, and might resonate with you as well:

1. Cultivate Diverse Passions: One of the most liberating realizations I’ve had is that it's okay, even beneficial, to pursue multiple interests. Engaging in activities outside of work - whether it’s a hobby, learning something new, or simply enjoying art or nature—can reignite your creativity and give you a fresh perspective. These pursuits don’t need to be monetized or tied to any form of achievement; their value lies in the joy and fulfillment they bring.

2. Set Boundaries Around Work: Creating clear boundaries between work and personal life is vital. This could mean setting specific times when you’re “off the clock” and dedicating that time to rest or activities that nurture other parts of your identity. It’s important to remember that your worth isn’t solely tied to your productivity, and making space for other experiences can enhance your overall well-being. I recommend you to read the post which describes this in details (including personal experience). 

3. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection: Taking time to reflect on your day, your goals, and what truly brings you happiness can help you reconnect with yourself beyond your work identity. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, can provide clarity and help you stay grounded in the present moment. This can also be a way to identify and let go of the need to constantly achieve, allowing you to appreciate the here and now.

4. Explore Mission-Driven Activities: Engaging in activities that align with a greater purpose or mission can be incredibly fulfilling. This doesn’t have to be related to your work. Volunteering, mentoring, or contributing to a cause you care about can provide a sense of meaning that’s distinct from your career. These experiences can remind you that fulfillment often comes from contributing to something larger than yourself, rather than from personal achievements alone.

5. Embrace the Concept of "Enough": It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of always striving for more—more success, more recognition, more goals. But there’s power in recognizing when you have “enough.” This mindset shift allows you to appreciate what you’ve already achieved and to focus on enjoying life rather than constantly pushing for the next milestone. It’s about finding contentment in the present and allowing yourself to rest in the knowledge that you’re already enough as you are.

It’s encouraging to hear that the idea of being multifaceted resonates with you. We often forget that our potential isn’t limited to one vocation or role. By allowing ourselves to explore different aspects of who we are, we not only prevent burnout but also enrich our lives in ways that a singular focus could never provide. 

In the end, it’s about balance. The balance between work and play, passion and rest, ambition and contentment. By acknowledging and nurturing the different dimensions of your identity, you can create a more holistic and fulfilling life—one that isn’t confined to the narrow pursuit of a single vocation but is open to the vast possibilities that lie within and around you.