What is Work?

What is Work? 

Speaker and best selling author Philip McKernan posed a simple yet profound question to those of us in the room at a recent CADRE's YOUniversity event:

What is work?

It’s a question that can feel routine or even rhetorical—until you stop and truly think about it.

For many, work is defined by tasks, deadlines, and paychecks. It’s what fills our calendars, fuels our routines, and keeps the world moving.

But is that really all work is? Or is there something deeper?

Work as a Transaction vs. Work as a Calling 

If work is purely transactional, then it’s just an exchange—time for money, effort for approval, production for reward. But I believe work is more than that. Work is where purpose, perseverance, and innovation meet -- at least for me. It’s the space where we create, build, and contribute. It’s the proving ground for our skills, ideas, and, ultimately, our impact.

When work is seen as a calling, it shifts from obligation to opportunity. It becomes the place where our passions and strengths align with a need in the world. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we make a difference. 

Work as a Reflection of Who We Are 

The work we do—whether in business, leadership, innovation, or service—is a reflection of our values. It challenges us to stretch beyond what’s easy, to solve problems, and to create something lasting. It’s not about clocking in and out; it’s about leaving a mark.

After 25 years of building a business, I have come to believe that the best work is done when people are engaged, invested, and aligned with a mission. That’s why I focus so much on leadership, innovation, and resilience—because real work isn’t just about output, it’s about ownership. When we own the work, we shape the outcome.

What Work Isn’t 

Work isn’t about busyness for the sake of busyness. It’s not about grinding endlessly toward an undefined finish line. Work without meaning is just motion without progress.

At its best, work is an expression of who we are. It challenges us. It refines us. It gives us the opportunity to contribute something greater than ourselves.

Reframing Work for the Future 

If work is just about survival, we’ll endure it. But if work is about purpose, we’ll embrace it.

At least that's my view.  But what about you   What is work?

I'd love to hear from you.  What is work? Let me know in the comments below or by email.   I'll update and share some of them below.  Also - if you want to follow Phil, who was the one who posed the question to me and others at a CADRE event, or learn about CADRE YOUniversity, look for the links in the blog.  Follow them both on social.