You don’t have to come close to death to find happiness at work, but it can be beneficial
New research from the University of Guelph highlights the transformative power of near-death experiences on people’s attitudes towards work. While surviving a close encounter with death can inspire significant changes and lead individuals to pursue more meaningful career paths, experts emphasize that these profound shifts are attainable even without a life-threatening event.
Singer-songwriter Aysanabee shared his harrowing experience of falling through ice while snowshoeing in northern Ontario, recalling the moment of facing death’s inevitability. Despite being only 19 at the time and feeling unfulfilled with his past endeavors, Aysanabee managed to escape the icy waters by desperately clinging to an axe lodged in the ice shelf. Ultimately, this terrifying incident prompted him to reevaluate his life choices and embark on a music career, leading to two critically acclaimed albums and prestigious music industry recognition.
Conducted at the University of Guelph, a recent study overseen by Jamie Gruman explored the impacts of near-death experiences on individuals’ work attitudes. After interviewing 14 survivors, the research revealed profound changes in participants’ perspectives, from an enhanced interest in spirituality to a newfound belief in the significance of each person’s existence. As a result, many participants reassessed the importance of work in their lives, questioning its meaningfulness and value.
In light of these revelations, Gruman underscored that individuals’ motivations for work can often be distilled into three primary factors: financial stability, meaningful personal growth through work, and quality relationships within the workplace. However, survivors of near-death experiences exhibited a significant shift in priorities, indicating a diminished focus on monetary success and material possessions. Instead, they sought out work rich in purpose and meaningful interactions with colleagues, prompting several participants to switch careers or redefine their current roles.
Career counselor Stephanie Koonar emphasized that while near-death experiences can trigger significant epiphanies, individuals can still pursue fulfilling careers without such drastic events. By tapping into their intuition and utilizing frameworks like the Japanese concept of ikigai, people can identify their passions, strengths, and areas of impact, thereby aligning their careers with their core values. Koonar encouraged individuals to seek out organizations or causes that resonate with them and leverage their skills to contribute meaningfully to society, even within their existing professional roles.
In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on the profound impact of near-death experiences on individuals’ perspectives towards work. While surviving a life-threatening event can catalyze transformative changes and inspire individuals to seek greater purpose in their careers, the research suggests that similar shifts are achievable through self-reflection, intuition, and a conscious alignment of professional roles with personal values and passions.