find more joy in your job

If your 9-to-5 is a grind, read on. In this installment of our Power Up Program, WD Editor in Chief Meaghan B Murphy reveals the three secrets to making your work work for you.

- B Murphy

The best job I ever had was at The Icing, a clothing store in the local mall, when I was 15. Every weekend I'd over-accessorize and head out to help the store's endless stream of Carmela Sopranos shop for bedazzled, body-hugging outfits. I loved it. I loved hearing about customers' upcoming parties, lunch dates, weekend plans, and vacations and putting together ensembles for them. I loved convincing them that they had to splurge on jewelry, handbags, and scarves to complete their looks. I loved watching them treat themselves and walk out feeling like hot tamales. The best part was connecting with these ladies and helping them feel good about themselves. Yes, they were well-off, glamorous, bling-loving New Jersey housewives. I wasn't feeding the hungry—otherwise saving humanity. Still, every time I saw a face transform in the mirror because of an outfit I had slipped through the dressing room door, I believed I was making a difference, and that made all the difference in how I felt about my job and also in my energy and happiness there. It was why I worked hard and earned fat commission checks.

I think about work in much the same way today. At every magazine and with every project, my goal has been to connect with people and give them the tools to find their spark, improve their health and happiness, and feel inspired to live their best lives. That makes work feel meaningful, and it's a big part of what motivates and energizes me and why I've loved all my jobs. Even if this does not sound like you, keep reading—I'm about to show you how to inject some joy into your job.

WORK MATTERS