What motivates you to work?
@chipesterkhan (2925)
Philippines
January 26, 2011 3:22am CST
What motivates you to work?
Is it money? Or personal growth?
If you say money, then you'll probably end up working as one of those people who are sick and tired of their lives. In Japan, they commit suicide because of that.
What about Personal growth?
Have you even stopped to consider working for personal growth?
There's not much money in it at the start. It may take decades till you get it but at least you won't end up as a puddle of bloody broken bones at the bottom of a skyscraper.
You see, money comes and goes. personal growth is forever.
Once you've attained certain levels of personal growth the skills that come with it are hard to shake off. It'll last with you for a lifetime. And you can even pass it down to whomever cares to learn from your experience.
And once you've become known as someone who loves his work and is good at it, money just seems to appear out of nowhere and people flock to you seeking knowledge.
You'll have to teach them though as teaching is also a learning experience.
So I hope you find something other than money to help motivate you to work. Make something out of yourself, work for personal growth. Invest in yourself, nurture your brain, expand your horizons, experience everything, grow! Grow! GROW!
3 people like this
21 responses
@NoWayRo (1061)
• Romania
26 Jan 11
What if the growth in the chosen domain is limited?
I feel that quite often at work - you can only learn new things for a while, then, irrespective of the job you do, it turns into routine, with very little to spice it up now and then. Of course, this doesn't apply to people who work in a creative area. I know that a major international corporation has an internal policy, that all their employees have to be shifted to a different position every two years, to prevent fatigue and boredom. But I think the personal growth achieved in this way is compensated by having your brain washed - that's a mandatory feature for corporation employees.
Off-topic: you started a lot of interesting discussions today, and nicely written, too. Thanks for keeping us busy! 
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
well it started with a writer's block
kind of a complaint to myself about not being able to write
that kinda fired me up
it's you people who keep me active here
i constantly wrack my brain to find fresh topics to discuss for everyone's benefit
back to the topic at hand
growth can not or should not be stunted. if you feel confined, move up to a bigger playing field.
i worked as a call center manager and when i felt i could no longer grow i opted to take on more responsibilities and here i am now, doing business consultancy. a boring job, but at least my time is mine and i get to think a lot more to solve other people's issues and concerns.
i deal with cost cutting and improvement of service mostly.
not too many clients yet, so i'm not yet too busy for mylotting haha
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
ahehehe i do slave away in an office...
sitting in my desk writing things, memos, orders, schedules
sigh
but it's fun having control over the business
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
26 Jan 11
Well right now money motivates me, but money can present me with more opportunity for personal growth, in some areas anyway. For example, I need to move out of my parents' house, buy a vehicle, go back to school, etc. These things will bring me more independence and freedom and I would definitely consider those things to be personal growth.
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
blame it on my being old and feeling like a smart a$$ all the time
forgive me if it came off as if i was lecturing you
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
independence and freedom come at a certain cost.
assess the things you really need to have.
and when you have enough savings, buy the things you want.
finish school.
that should be your first priority. that'll give you some advantage in life.
the car and the house can wait
@se7enthbird (8307)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
before i work for growth, to pick up all the good things i see on the way then try to make the best of what i can. then when i got married and have a family (specially when my wife gave birth to our son) working is for money to bring food on the table, to buy what my wife and son needs and also to pay bills. though i can say that i am not sick and tired of that.... still i have a lot of plans in my mind. like having our own business so i have more time at home with my family. with that business my wife and i will join force to make it sucessful.
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
your wife is fortunate to have you as her husband.
there are too many selfish guys (hmmm i wonder if i'm one of those) out there who only care for themselves.
having a business is the best plan in your mind right now and i hope you get one soon. having a business is better than being employed
@ganeshprabhuk (1722)
• India
26 Jan 11
I am motivated with my work itself. I dont have anything else to motivate me. My work is my first priority.
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
well that must be very fulfilling
i wonder what work you have?
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
27 Jan 11
Money is not my motivation for working or living. I work enough to care for my basic needs and a bit more and I'm satisfied with that. I don't work for personal growth either as I can do that when I'm not working also.
I am an achiever though. I like to see results from what I do. I do hate to waste my time on futile or useless things.
I am working for the betterment of individuals and mankind so I do a lot of volunteer work and teaching.
I have my creative side also that I find very fulfilling and I pursue that for pure enjoyment of life.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
27 Jan 11
Thanks! Sometimes I really wish I were Superman. I know I could do a lot of good in this crazy world. But since I'm not I'll have to do what I can as an ordinary man. All the best! 
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
your avatar is very fitting for your personality
we need a superman to help everyone who is in need
@Chastised_Dreamz (559)
• United States
26 Jan 11
Currently I'm unemployed, but what motivates me to work is personal freedom more than anything, and I guess that would mean money. I want to start an online business making graphics for various social networking sites because I love playing around with Photoshop as a hobby. I actually have the site but I have to start working on it to have it up and running. I still wouldn't consider that for personal growth for me though, even though I would be doing what I love, because I think I would have to work in another setting in order to develop the skills that would help me grow personally (such as people skills).
I want to work in social work, helping other people. I think that would help me grow as a person but the job may be stressful and discouraging.
I agree with you though. I think if you work with the sole purpose of getting money you will end up tired and sick... but then again it also depends on how you go about getting that money. Some people are smart about it and it might feel effortless for them.
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
sounds promising my friend i hope you have great luck with your plans
you might want to offer your services on odesk or microworkers
try it, it's on my profile
@qurious2011 (7)
•
27 Jan 11
When you come from a humble background, obviously money is the main motivation to work for your first working experience. You need to support your family members and yourself. As you grow older, you planned to get married and start your own family; again you can't do these without finances. But, as you matured and your career is more established, you begin to look at other aspect of life; such as personal growth and quality of working life.
Of course, it will be good to find a job that pays well and provides personal growth concurrently; which in not uncommon in some good MNCs.
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
i would say having both is the best
but i still think growing should come from gaining knowledge in everything you do
havang a niche field where you are the expert gives you an advantage over everyone else
@aprilsong (1884)
• China
26 Jan 11
Well,for me right now, the answer to your question is absolutely money. Since my job give me no room to personal growth or feelings of achievements at all. Of course, things changes. I have read some news about a very rich housewife go to do a plain work, while she wears 100 times of her salary worth of clothes. So she is not for money. She just feel too empty in her house doing nothing. She maybe need some coworkers to talk with her.
And the best situation is one work for one's personal growth. Actually, some of mylotters,including me, come this site to post for money and also for personal growth. Of course, i mean for those whose mother tongue is not english.
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
don't we all come here to post something for money? hahaha
when you reach my point of involvement here, you won't really be looking to post for money... instead you'll be posting to get reactions. like what you just did.
and i thank you for responding. it's you people who keep me interested in mylot
the cents is just a welcome incentive
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
26 Jan 11
We all need some kind of motivation to get us to work. We all need a little encouragement for a job well done. When we don't get that, we are often disheartened. Sometimes that support we need from work is what gets us through our work day. Motivation is what sets us on the right path.1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
and motivation should come from ourselves first
we shouldn't rely too much on others to motivate us
their support should be appreciated but not depended on
just my 2 cents
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
26 Jan 11
Busting out of college, personal growth was the main motivator for me. I kept taking on more than expected, and even 'dressed-the-part' just so I can improve myself and achieve a certain level of confidence, and I guess also reputation, as a problem-solver.
Fast forward a few years, personal growth is still there, but not the main motivation. Family and responsibilities have taken that spot.
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
there is still personal growth in your new responsibilities
growth in being a responsible member of your family
@puccagirl (7294)
• Israel
26 Jan 11
To improve my life and to make my future better than what today is inspires me. Don't get me wrong, I am not unhappy with my life or anything, but I always find more things to strive for... to have a family, to own my own house etc. So that what motivates me!
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
hey hey hey aren't you the one who referred me to bukisa?
how am i doing so far? am i living up to your expectations? are you earning something from me?
hahaha if you are, then I'm glad to have helped out.
i read your topics at bukisa, you're very good at those how to do thingies.
striving for more things is not a sign of unhappiness, rather a sign of being a determined and well centered person
@colorfulseafish (82)
• China
26 Jan 11
in fact,money is the main factor for me.i come from China and i'm the only child of my family.i must work hard to support the whole family.but i also agree that personal growth is important.for me,if the work can provide me both good payment and personal growth,it is the best:)
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
your parents are lucky to have you as their only child
i commend you for being that responsible
@alokijon (665)
• Malaysia
26 Jan 11
Frankly speaking, money is the main factor that motivate me to work. If I don't work or if have have no job how am I going to get enough money? Even a beggar need to 'work'@begging around. After I have been working for sometimes, I feel that the feeling of responsibility motivates me to work. I feel that it is a vocation for me from God. So I am thankful that I still working whether in good or bad time.
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
i hope you earn enough to have a comfortable life everyday
try to save up a bit s that you can enjoy more time without having to work all the time in the future
let your money leverage for you
@shinbei42 (7)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
Thanks for the thought. I am seriously considering it.
In response to your question, I planned on answering "the need to get things done." Nowadays, most of the things I do feel like a chore -- I must do it. I don't have a choice. Even if I don't want to to do it, I need to. These are the kind of thoughts that run in my head.
Your proposition is very sound. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
ey ey ey be like marklloydbinar
he's a realist
my line of thinking is a bit idealistic
furthermore, do what you think is right for you and your family
good luck
@qurious2011 (7)
•
27 Jan 11
When you come from a humble background, obviously money is the main motivation to work for your first job. You need to support your family members & yourself. As you grow older, you planned to get married & starts your own family, again you can't do these without finances. But, as you matured and your career is more established, you begin to look at other aspect of life; such as personnal growth & quality of working life.
Of course, it will be good to find a job that pays you well and provides personal growth concurrently; which is not uncommon in some good MNCs.
1 person likes this
@thaMARKER (2503)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
salary and extra money if you work harder. i've been working for this company for years now and at first, learning motivates me but i came to familiarize the type of work i have.
it sometimes challenge me to perfect my attendance. my being late was a big deal 'cause back in college, i have had my misfortunes because i spoil procrastination..
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
27 Jan 11
I wish my mindset can be like that, for so called "personal growth". But I have to face the reality, I still have to pay bills, and I still have to bring bread to the family table. So, money definitely plays an essential part on this discussion. Money and making more money is the necessary part of motivation for me to work.
@doggydimon (1369)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
It is more on personal growth. Actually, I started a career based on what I like to do rather than a career out of what I finished in college. I love traveling! So I decided to start a career in the travel industry. I travel to gain knowledge and share it to people who also loves to travel. In that way if they come back from their trip and called me to say thank you and say they had a wonderful trip, that brings me pleasure and satisfaction that even money can't give.
1 person likes this
@lizmik143 (137)
• Philippines
26 Jan 11
At this time in my life, I work for money. Not for the love of it but to save up for myself. I have been working in this job for four years now but that was mostly for my family especially my brothers when they were still studying. And I end up without a savings. And if I already have the amount I need I can decide on something for my personal growth which I want to find in teaching. Someday.
@Milkypink26 (324)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
I'm not sure how to answer your question.
I would say both.
I'm really happy with my job and I see a lot of great opportunities within the company I'm with and I feel blessed that God has given the chance to provide the needs of my whole family. Since I joined my company there was like million chances they gave me to improve professionally and grow more as their employee.
From where I am now nothing can compare from my previous jobs that I did feel the "sick and tired" thingy. Right now, I feel contented with all what I have now and I thank God for that.:)
1 person likes this
