The Consolation of Meaningless Work

Say to yourself in the morning:

I shall today go to work not as a person fractured into a laborer and a human but rather simply as a full, expansive human.

Today I will encounter draining meetings, pointless encounters, and political theatre. But with the human and laborer as one, I may bring dignity, justice, and care into my own creations at work, both technical and personal.

Some people, although unintentional, may be rude, busy, distracting, misinformed, or frustrating. What we see in others and what other see in us are just small snapshots, and we often make incomplete judgements. Therefore provide generous grace, even if difficult.

I am not what I produce, nor am I simply my job title. Work is not identity but patronage: I do X, so I may pursue Y.

Even in the most pointless and frustrating tasks, approach work with the most attentive focus.

Epictetus labored as a slave, but his philosophy was developed and tested within his laboring.

What appears to be meaningless and frustrating is an opportunity to practice unfiltered attention, the foundation of love.