To me, meaningful work is purpose-driven, people-centered, and growth-oriented. As someone pursuing a career in social media management and digital content creation, I believe meaningful work is not just about producing results; it’s about creating impact. My purpose stems from helping brands authentically connect with diverse audiences while also staying true to my values of inclusivity, creativity, and continuous improvement. Reading Make Your Job a Calling by Bryan Dik and Ryan Duffy helped me realize that meaningful work begins with knowing who you are and using that knowledge to guide your actions with intentionality (Dik & Duffy, 2012).

One of the most impactful ideas I took from the course and book was that a “calling” is not necessarily something mystical; it’s a mindset. It means engaging in work that aligns with your core values and contributes to something larger than yourself. For me, that “something larger” is community and culture. As a content creator, I don’t just want to follow trends; I want to shape narratives that uplift and represent real people, especially underrepresented voices. This is why I want to focus on campaigns that celebrate underrepresented demographics because they are often overlooked in mainstream media despite their cultural and economic influence.

I also believe that meaningful work must foster growth, not just for the company, but for the individual. I’ve grown the most when I’ve been challenged to step out of my comfort zone, whether it was leading social media strategies for local businesses or teaching myself video editing. Meaningful work is a space where you learn, fail, evolve, and adapt. As sociologist Richard Florida notes, “creative-class workers want to do meaningful work in flexible environments that encourage growth and innovation” (Florida, 2014). That idea resonates deeply with me.

Moreover, people are at the center of my work philosophy. Every post, reel, or story I create is about connection. In my future career, I want to manage digital platforms that don’t just sell, but serve. This means working with intention, practicing empathy, and embracing cultural humility. It also means challenging the performative aspects of digital branding and pushing for authentic, inclusive storytelling. According to the Pew Research Center, over 50% of Gen Z prefer brands that take a stance on social issues (Pew, 2023). I see this not as a challenge, but an opportunity to make my work socially responsible.

In sum, meaningful work for me is a blend of purpose, people, and personal growth. It is a “calling” not because it’s perfect or easy but because it’s intentional. I’m committed to creating content that matters, building campaigns that serve, and helping organizations connect in ways that are inclusive, strategic, and human. My goal is not just to succeed but to serve. And that, to me, is meaningful work.