Since my teen years, I have always thought about my work in three categories:

• The work I got paid for to earn a living
• The work I paid for to help me learn and grow
• The work I didn’t get paid for that allowed me to contribute and give back

I didn’t always love the paid work. Sometimes, it simply helped me cover my expenses, earn some spending money and add experience to my resumé. Over time, I grew into work I truly loved. I know that is a privilege.

The work I paid for included tuition, courses, conferences and learning new skills, sometimes for work and sometimes just for fun. Each was an investment in myself.

The work I didn’t get paid for included joining clubs at school, taking on leadership roles and volunteering with my professional association, residents’ association or a cause that mattered to me. Those were investments in my community, both professional and personal.

The key for me is that volunteer work has to give you joy. It should fill your cup, not continually empty it. And even when the benefit isn’t front and centre, you usually receive something in return. A good feeling. A sense of purpose. New friendships. A stronger network. An opportunity to learn, lead or make a difference.

Looking back, all three kinds of work helped shape me.
• One paid the bills.
• One expanded what I knew.
• One connected me to something bigger than myself.

And when I have been fortunate enough to find work that does all three, that has been the real gift.

What about you? How have the different kinds of work you have done, paid, unpaid or paid for by you, shaped your life and career?