🌿 TREE 129: Are you in on the joke?

I am paid a good wage to design logos and user interfaces and vehicle livery and lots of other things. What I do matters. It helps companies and organisations communicate clearly and sell their products. Many of those products improve people’s lives. When those companies thrive, they create more jobs and more wealth.

But can you imagine how ridiculous it would be if I thought what I do matters – like, really matters?

I move shapes around and play with colours until they look good. I argue about the spacing of letters and the placement of lines. I write rules about how people should use the shapes I make.

I get paid money for this.

It’s hilarious.

Your job is probably hilarious too. 

Even raising kids is hilarious. Here you go, parent. Spend the next 20 years turning this little critter into a proper human being. Try not to screw it up. Whoever came up with that one was laughing.

So what do we do?

1. The joke is not at your expense. The joy of life’s absurdity is for all of us.

2. Your value is inherent. It is not linked to your work.

3. You get to bring the meaning to your work.

4. When work time is done, leave your work completely. This will make you a happier human and a better worker.

5. Hone your craft. You get to do this ridiculous thing, so really do it.

6. Do your work playfully.

Grow slowly.
Jeff

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