What motivates us at work: 6 professionals share why they love their job

July 25, 2024 12:00 PM

Man standing outside in business suit, wearing glasses, smiling, arms crossed

At a time when stress, exhaustion and burnout are at all-time highs in the workforce, it helps to reflect on the good parts of a job — the things that make it worthwhile.

When people enjoy what they do, everything from productivity to career longevity to their personal mental health improves. In 2023, 65% of employees were happy with their job, and 20% of them were passionate about what they did for a living, according to a survey from career platform Zippia. Respondents cited things like salary, meaning, respect and workplace culture among their reasons for being satisfied with their careers. When people are lucky, they have multiple reasons for being happy in their roles.

"Of course, great pay is excellent, but making a difference in the lives of our clients and their employees really is my driver," says Lucas Botzen, a tech entrepreneur and CEO of global hiring platform Rivermate. "I find great pleasure in knowing that our platform is simplifying global HR processes for businesses when they can work on their core activity while we deal with the intricacies of international employment."

From helping other businesses find success to forming amazing teams to making their clients smile, five more professionals at various stages of their career share why they love their work.

Karen Vaisman, professional portrait photographer and master retouch artist

Years in the industry: 30+

"Photography has always been a passion of mine since I was a teenager — I was actually a yearbook photographer in high school. I just love making people feel great and confident in their looks and selves. This passion has only intensified over the years and has allowed me to develop it into a lifelong career. What keeps me happy is knowing that I help my clients look and feel their best. Seeing my clients' excitement and confidence boost after a photo session is incredibly rewarding for me. Clients consistently share how my images help improve their self-esteem, which is an incredible motivator and driving force."

Jon Morgan, CEO and editor-in-chief of consulting firm Venture Smarter

Years in the industry: 10+

"The thing that really gets me going about my job is the thrill of the climb. We don't work with established giants. Instead, we partner with startups and small businesses — these are the scrappy underdogs with big dreams and even bigger challenges.

Every client is unique, facing a different mountain to climb. Maybe it's a young company with a fantastic product but struggling to find their target market. Perhaps it's a business with a ton of potential but stuck in outdated systems. The beauty of consulting is that we get to be the Sherpa on these climbs. We assess the landscape, identify the obstacles, and equip them with the tools and strategies they need to reach the summit.

There's nothing quite like witnessing the growth of a company we've helped build from the ground up. It's like watching your own startup succeed, but multiplied by the fact that you get to play a part in the success stories of so many different ventures. That's what keeps me engaged and happy — being a part of the climb, and celebrating the victories along the way."

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Oindrila Mandal, senior game product manager at video game company Electronic Arts

Years in the industry: 1.5

"What I love about my job is that I get to make games that bring my customers joy and happiness. I am an avid mobile gamer, and I am fortunate because I have a fun job and I get to pursue my passions through my work.

I also really enjoy working with the people in my industry. Games industry professionals are very passionate and value driven. Everyone wants to deliver the best play-experience to our customers, so we are all very excited about doing good work. My colleagues are diverse and come from all walks of life, and as a South Asian woman of color, I feel very accepted and empowered in my company."

Jesse Kent, president of public relations firm Derring-Do

Years in the industry: 10+

"'Derring-do' refers to an act of courage, and it is the ethos the firm lives by, and the type of work our clients can expect and count on: brave, bold and groundbreaking. I love my job because every day brings new challenges and opportunities. I'm a natural people-person and enjoy connecting with clients, discussing their ideas, and understanding their on-the-ground experiences and perspectives. I am constantly learning how their businesses are developing and changing in New York City and the world. Lastly, I have a fabulous team that has stood by me through thick and thin, making the journey even more rewarding."

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Stefan Chekanov, co-founder and CEO of instant messenger platform Brosix

Years in the industry: 30

"Especially in the SaaS industry, which changes so rapidly, there's constant pressure to keep growing, to innovate, and it can be a grind. But honestly, what keeps me coming back every day is the impact we have. Seeing our product come to life and seeing it empower real people — that's what makes it worth it. Whenever a client tells us how our software helped them communicate more efficiently or solve a business issue they had, it feels so rewarding and fulfilling.

My brother and I co-founded the business — it was a true passion project for both of us at the time, and our bond has been the glue that has kept us going throughout all these years. Plus, the dedication and talent our team brings every day is truly inspiring. It's a privilege to work alongside people who are just as excited to see what we can achieve together."