A personal story of meaning at work

September 12, 2024

I’ll never forget this: I’m sitting at a desk in an open-plan office and it’s completely empty and quiet around me. I’m there on a Sunday morning because it’s the only time and place I can do some focused work.

I turn on my laptop and  check the news. I read that the night before an attack left 11 people dead here in London. This happened just a few minutes from where I am; a place I walk past daily. I start to tear up. “This is my city” I thought. I am actually crying.

Back then I was working in management-consulting; today I work in collaboration with many UK Government organisations including those who defend a cosmopolitan, multicultural, multi-class, city like London. My home.

One of the things that is special about my job is the mission I contribute to - the people I meet that are dedicated to making the UK a secure, prosperous, and great place for everyone to live.

I know I can work on AI and Cloud technologies in other industries - and I’d enjoy it. Yet the tragedy of that day, and the meaning I derive from my work are strongly linked. I love my job, and the fact that I work with colleagues and customers who share these feelings, is a big reason why. I hope in your life your job offers you the same opportunity for fulfilment and meaning - whatever that is for you.