So if you aren’t working what are you doing?

When I heard the above words from a fellow professional, I froze.

I was heartbroken that someone thought just because I wasn’t on a corporate payroll that I would be sitting back with my feet up with nothing to do. I wish.

Since finishing an interim contract I have been learning new things, supporting other businesses grow, building relationships, building my own pipeline of work and continuing to refine my offering.

So what is work? Charles Handy describes work into three categories: paid, unpaid and domestic. Each category has its potential value for the person delivering the work and the recipients. Where you sit in these categories is in your control. What you perceive the value to be for each of these is personal to you and potentially drives how you spend your time.

During my 18 hour days I very much work within the Charles Handy model and I believe there is an association with your value of success, the value of work and happiness.

The old values of working for a corporate which gains the status and opportunities for a great life (unless you have a highly successful SME) are still riff yet so many are seeking their true purpose (thanks to Simon Sinek’s support).

Further supported by a recent article which shared that you didn’t need good grades to earn millions reinforced the value of money with success. (OK only one article but the theory of money being a driver isn’t in isolation). People are ostracised by who they are, what they do and what is scarier the perception of what they have to offer by.

What does that mean for you? Work is what you make it.

What I believe is important is that the recipients of your work remain the judges of the value. If you are not careful you can get wrapped up in the conveyor belt of life and never work out the right balance.

The best part is you have a choice to consider the balance of your different work and take the steps that give the most value to you and your recipients. What choice will you make?