Building online forms that helped people during that time gave me a stronger sense of purpose than I’d felt in a long time.
Work That Felt Meaningful
During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to develop online forms to assist people in need.
For the first time in a long while, the connection between the work and the people it was helping felt immediate and visible. The forms were practical, simple things—but they helped people access support during a difficult time.
That changed how the work felt. It stopped being abstract tickets, systems, and projects, and became something more human.
What Changed After the Pandemic
Although the pandemic has ended, I'm still working from home as a software engineer. While I'm grateful for the work I do, I'm currently exploring ways to find a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in my work and personal life. My family is my main focus in life, and while I enjoy my hobbies, I've been wondering what my overall purpose is.
After some reflection, I've realized that finding purpose is a journey that requires patience, introspection, and a willingness to take action. Here are some tips that have helped me find meaning and fulfillment in my work and personal life.
What Actually Matters to Me
Reflect on Your Values
For me, family is my top priority. I want to make sure that I'm spending quality time with my loved ones and supporting them in any way I can. What values are most important to you? Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you, and use those values as a compass to guide your decisions and actions.Set Goals That Align With Your Values
Once you've identified your values, set goals that align with them. For me, this means finding ways to spend more time with my family and being present for the moments that matter. Maybe for you, it's about making a positive impact on the world or pursuing a creative passion. When your goals align with your values, you'll feel more purposeful and fulfilled.Find Meaning in Your Work
Even if your job is not your primary focus in life, you can still find meaning and purpose in your work. For me, developing online forms that helped people during the pandemic was incredibly rewarding. Now, I try to focus on the positive impact my work is having, even if it's smaller. It's important to recognize the value of your contributions, no matter how big or small.
Pursue Your Hobbies
Hobbies are a great way to find fulfillment outside of work. For me, woodworking and working on cars are my go-to activities. Pursuing hobbies can also provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, as you learn new skills and create something with your own hands.Embrace Your Role as a Parent
Finally, as a parent, I know how important my role is in shaping the lives of my children. Being a loving and supportive parent is one of the most purposeful things I can do. Embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood, and let your love for your children inspire you to be the best version of yourself.Trying to Find Balance
I don’t think purpose is something you suddenly discover once and keep forever.
It changes over time, and often comes from smaller things than we expect—family, useful work, building things, helping people, or simply feeling connected to what we do.
I’m probably still figuring it out.
A lot of this also connects to my thoughts on working from home and how it changes the balance between work and life.
It also links closely to my post on visual thinking and understanding how different people experience work and learning differently.
Technology feels very different when it genuinely helps people.
I spend a lot of time thinking about how systems, services, and digital tools can be made simpler and more useful for the people using them.
You can take a look at my TechFix service if that resonates.