What is Work?
What is Work?Â
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 CallingÂ
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 wher...
Author
Paul Gustavson
Paul is a tech industry leader with a passion for innovation and the outdoors. He is the co-founder and CTO of SimVentions, which was established in 2000. SimVentions supports today’s military and decision-makers with innovative engineering solutions and services. The Virginia Chamber and Inc. Magazine have recognized SimVentions as one of the best places to work. As the CTO, Paul fosters innovation, contributes to the company’s strategic vision, leads IR&D efforts, provides technical expertise, and participates in industry standards development. Paul is also the author of Face the Mountain, Imagine, Breaking Average, Speech Blueprint, and Leaders Press On and a co-host of the Breaking Average Podcast. He is an active member of the simulation community. As the CTO, Paul fosters innovation, contributes to the company’s strategic vision, leads IR&D efforts, provides technical expertise, and participates in industry standards development. Paul is also the author of Face the Mountain, Imagine, Breaking Average, Speech Blueprint, and Leaders Press On and a co-host of the Breaking Average Podcast. He is an active member of the simulation community.