Promotions are wonderful. Bigger paychecks are great. But should they be the ultimate goal of work? Are they the only things that should motivate us to give our best?
Work. It’s a word that means different things to different people. For some, it’s a means to an end — a way to pay bills, buy things, and sustain life. For others, it’s a source of pride and purpose. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what work really means and how often we get caught up in the pursuit of promotions, paychecks, and status, forgetting that the true value of work lies in something deeper. It’s easy to get lost in the idea that the goal of work is merely to climb a ladder or earn a larger paycheck. But what happens when we redefine work not as a way to get ahead but as a chance to do our best, day in and day out because that’s simply what the job demands of us?
I am thinking on this for a few reasons: the holidays are here, and I miss my dad, but I am also working on a show, and I thought of a bit I wanted to do, and on my own, I have sunk about a hundred bucks into building this bit. No one asked me to do it; I just thought I wanted to do this; it will make the moment better and funnier, so I’m doing it. I won’t be paid back, and I don’t care; I care about the bit. I care about the job. I care about what I can bring to the moment and how to be the best I can for this show.
I guess it’s about ethics, which I am thankful for, so that’s what I’m writing about today. Onward.
A Lesson in Work Ethic: My Father’s Example
I think of my dad often when I reflect on this. My father was a civil engineer who worked for a small company that specialized in building large projects — bridges, roads, and buildings that helped shape the city of Boston. We weren’t wealthy, but we were comfortable. We never had everything we wanted, but we had everything we needed. My dad worked tirelessly to provide for our family — to put a roof over our heads, put food on the table, and take us on vacation when he could. He worked not because he was trying to earn a promotion or climb the corporate ladder but because he believed in the work he was doing, and he found pride in doing it well.
Five days a week, twelve months a year, my dad went to work. Even as his knees deteriorated to the point where he could hardly walk, he showed up every day. He wasn’t motivated by the promise of a bigger paycheck or a fancy office. No, what kept him going was a deep commitment to the people he worked with and the work itself. The company he worked for wasn’t the biggest or the richest in the city, but they treated him well. They paid him fairly, but more than that, they recognized his loyalty. At Thanksgiving, they’d drop by with a turkey. At Christmas, it was a ham. For New Year’s, it was a nice bottle of whiskey. Those little gestures meant a lot to him because they showed that the company valued him as a person, not just as an employee.
And while my dad could have easily gone to work for a larger company that would have paid him more and let him work in an office rather than braving the cold and rain on construction sites, he didn’t. He stayed with the small company because they had a vision, a dream, and most importantly, they had shown loyalty to him when he needed it most. He believed in their mission, and that belief motivated him to work harder than anyone else.
The Legacy of a Job Well Done
Look at the Boston skyline today. You’ll see buildings that stand as a testament to the work of the company my dad worked for — a company that grew from humble beginnings into one of the most influential players in the construction industry. And while my dad never sought recognition or accolades, the fruits of his labor are etched into the very fabric of the city. Like so many others, his work helped create something larger than himself. And that, to him, was the greatest reward.
My father understood something that many people today seem to forget: work isn’t just about the paycheck or the promotion. Work is about doing your best, taking pride in what you do, and being loyal to the people and the company that rely on you. When we focus only on climbing the corporate ladder, we miss out on the satisfaction of doing the work itself. We forget that the valid reward of work comes not from the title or the pay but from the act of giving our best, day after day because that’s what the job demands.
Lessons from Shakespeare: Old Adam’s Wisdom
This idea is something I was reminded of recently when I played the character of Old Adam in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. There’s a scene where Orlando, the young hero, returns home to find that his evil brother plans to kill him. In a touching moment, Orlando’s loyal servant, Adam, offers Orlando his life savings — five hundred crowns — and vows to follow him into exile. Orlando is touched by this and says:
“O good old man, how well in thee appears
The constant service of the antique world,
When service sweat for duty, not for meed.
Thou art not for the fashion of these times,
Where none will sweat but for promotion,
And having that do choke their service up
Even with the having.”
In this passage, Orlando praises Adam for being a servant who works not for the sake of reward but because it is his duty. His service is not motivated by the pursuit of personal gain but by a sense of responsibility, loyalty, and honor. The old man is a shining example of a work ethic that doesn’t rely on external rewards. His dedication to his duty stands in stark contrast to the “fashion of these times,” where people work only for the promise of promotion and higher pay. Shakespeare was, of course, writing in a different time, but the message resonates just as strongly today: true service comes not from the pursuit of meed (reward) but from a commitment to doing the best job possible, regardless of recognition or compensation.
The Problem with Chasing Promotions
Promotions are wonderful. Bigger paychecks are great. But should they be the ultimate goal of work? Are they the only things that should motivate us to give our best? We live in a world where the pursuit of external rewards — a bigger title, a higher salary, or more recognition — often takes precedence over the actual work itself. People chase after promotions as if they are the ultimate measure of success, but in doing so, they risk losing sight of the value of the work they’re doing in the first place.
In my father’s case, the goal wasn’t to become the CEO of a large corporation or to make millions of dollars. The goal was to be good at his craft, to build things that would stand the test of time, and to help others along the way. His work was meaningful not because of the paycheck he received but because of the difference he made through his dedication and skill. He worked hard because it was his job, not because he was waiting for a promotion or bigger pay. And in doing so, he found a deep satisfaction in the work itself.
The True Reward of Work: Finding Fulfillment in Mastery
This brings us to a deeper question: what happens when we focus less on promotions and paychecks and more on the quality of the work we do? What happens when we make our job less about what we get out of it and more about what we can put into it? How do we find happiness and fulfillment in the everyday work we do?
The answer lies in embracing the idea that mastery and excellence are their own rewards. When we shift our mindset from focusing solely on external rewards like pay raises and titles and instead commit ourselves to the pursuit of mastery, we begin to experience a profound shift in how we view our work. In this way, work becomes something more than just a means to an end; it becomes an opportunity to grow, learn, and find purpose.
The Power of Mastery
Mastery is the pursuit of becoming the best at what we do. It’s the dedication to honing our skills, deepening our knowledge, and improving our craft. Mastery doesn’t come overnight, but it is a process — a journey. When we focus on this journey, we free ourselves from the constant pressure of comparing ourselves to others or measuring our success solely by external markers like promotions. Instead, the joy of mastery is found in the incremental improvements we make every day.
When we make excellence the goal, the work itself becomes the reward. Think about a musician practicing scales or a craftsman carefully chiseling away at a piece of wood. The act of doing is fulfilling in and of itself because they are striving to improve. They’re not focused on fame, fortune, or recognition; they are solely immersed in the satisfaction of perfecting their art. Similarly, in any job, whether it’s a high-level executive role, a construction worker, or a teacher, there is deep fulfillment in the act of doing the best we can.
Mastery also encourages us to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles to be avoided. A job well done is not about taking the easy route; it’s about facing difficulties head-on and finding solutions. This mindset not only enhances the quality of our work but also builds our resilience, making us better equipped to handle setbacks and frustrations.
Finding Joy in the Act of Doing
When we embrace mastery, we also begin to find joy in the simple act of doing. It’s about immersing ourselves in the process, focusing on the task at hand, and letting go of the need for validation from outside sources. This is where true satisfaction lies — in the present moment, fully engaged in what we’re doing.
Whether we’re building a skyscraper, writing a report, or preparing a meal, there is joy to be found in the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Take, for example, the feeling of completing a project that we’ve put a lot of effort into — there’s a sense of accomplishment that doesn’t require a pat on the back from anyone else. It’s the quiet satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve given your best, even if no one notices. It’s this satisfaction that creates an internal sense of fulfillment that external rewards can’t replicate.
In fact, when we are fully immersed in our work, we often lose track of time. This is what psychologists call a "flow state" — a state of deep concentration and engagement where the work feels effortless. In this state, the focus is entirely on the task itself, and the sense of fulfillment comes not from what we stand to gain but from the sheer enjoyment of doing something well. Flow creates a sense of meaning and purpose, turning even mundane tasks into opportunities for growth and satisfaction.
Pride in the Process, Not Just the Outcome
While the final product of our work is often what we show to the world, the true pride lies in the process. When we focus on the journey rather than the destination, we take satisfaction in the effort we put into the work, not just the end result. This shift in perspective helps us to appreciate the small victories along the way — the moments when we overcame a challenge, when we found a new solution, or when we discovered a new approach to a task.
For example, think about a person who spends hours crafting a report. The report itself may be important, but it’s the research, the careful organization of thoughts, and the attention to detail that truly brings satisfaction. The joy comes from knowing that the process of creating, of putting in the effort to make something better, is valuable. This is how a person can feel proud of their work even if the external rewards — such as praise or a promotion — never come.
The pride in the process also fosters a sense of integrity. It means that we do the right thing, not because someone is watching, but because it aligns with our own values. When we take pride in doing the work well for its own sake, we uphold standards that reflect our commitment to excellence. And in doing so, we build a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, which can become its own form of professional reward.
The Satisfaction of Knowing You've Done Your Best
Ultimately, the true reward of work comes from the inner satisfaction of knowing that we’ve given our best. It’s a feeling that transcends the need for recognition or validation. At the end of the day, the fulfillment comes from the simple knowing that we’ve done everything we could to ensure the job was done right.
There’s a particular peace that comes from looking back at our work and knowing that we put in the time, effort, and care necessary to complete it to the best of our abilities. It’s the satisfaction that comes from knowing that we can stand behind our work with pride, whether or not anyone else notices the details. This sense of pride and accomplishment doesn’t depend on the outcome but on the effort and dedication we put into the process.
When we focus on doing our best, we let go of the anxiety that comes from striving for external recognition or rewards. We stop measuring our success by the amount of praise we receive or the accolades we gather, and instead measure it by the personal satisfaction that comes from putting our heart into our work.
The Reward of Mastery and Fulfillment
When we stop focusing solely on external rewards — such as promotions, pay raises, or public recognition — and instead focus on mastery and excellence, work itself becomes a source of fulfillment. The true reward of work is not the title we hold or the paycheck we receive, but the pride that comes from doing our best every single day. By embracing the process, valuing the journey, and finding joy in the act of doing, we can experience fulfillment in ways that transcend the traditional expectations of success.
Mastery allows us to find meaning and joy in the work we do, regardless of external outcomes. It teaches us to appreciate the small victories, to focus on continuous improvement, and to take pride in doing the work itself. In the end, it is this internal satisfaction — this sense of accomplishment and fulfillment — that is the most lasting and meaningful reward of all.
The Value of Relationships in the Workplace
We need to remember the value of relationships in the workplace. Like my dad’s loyalty to his company, there’s a deep sense of connection that comes from working with others toward a common goal. When we stop seeing work as an individual pursuit and start seeing it as a team effort, we begin to understand that the true value of work lies not only in the task at hand but also in the relationships we build along the way. Loyalty, respect, and camaraderie create a work environment that is meaningful and fulfilling, regardless of whether or not we receive promotions or raises.
The Impact of Our Work on the World
Finally, we need to consider the impact of our work on the world around us. Too often, we think of our jobs as isolated from the larger picture. But the truth is that every job contributes to the greater good, whether it’s constructing a building, teaching a class, or serving a customer. By focusing on the impact of our work rather than on what we personally stand to gain, we begin to see our work as part of something much larger than ourselves. In this way, we can take pride in our contributions to society, knowing that we’ve played a role in making the world a better place.
The True Reward of Work
So, what is the true reward of work? It’s not the paycheck, the promotion, or the title. The true reward is the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve done your best, day in and day out. It’s the pride that comes from doing a job well, not for the reward but because that’s simply what the job requires. When we learn to focus on the work itself rather than on the external rewards, we begin to find happiness not in what we get but in what we give. And in doing so, we discover that the actual value of work lies in the effort, the commitment, and the excellence we put into it — not in what we hope to get out of it.
Summing Up
As we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the things I’m truly grateful for. I’m thankful for the example my dad set, showing me the value of hard work and the deep satisfaction that comes from doing a job well, not for recognition or reward, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.
I’m also incredibly thankful for my job with Thoughtlab, where I get to do meaningful work alongside people who share a passion for excellence and integrity.
I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to perform Shakespeare’s words on stages across the country, bringing to life the timeless wisdom of his characters and learning from the profound truths he wove into his plays.
This Thanksgiving, I’m reminded that the true rewards in life are not the ones that come from promotions or paychecks but the moments of pride in doing our best, the relationships we build, and the opportunities we’re given to grow.
I’m thankful for all of these gifts and for the reminder that the greatest joys in life are found in the work we do and the people we share it with. I wish you all a happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving, surrounded by love, gratitude, and the warmth of meaningful work.
