How working in sustainability fosters a purposeful career

Here’s a note from Nawar Alsaadi:

I believe those who have never worked for a purpose driven company in general, or a sustainability software company in particular don’t understand the all encompassing energy emanating from the fusion of purpose and work.

Yesterday, I spent several hours in the Stockholm offices of Position Green, an ESG solutions company and I could almost see the pride and passion of those working as if it were a halo of light hanging around all those I came across. Those who only work to make money can’t go the distance of those who work to make a difference. As Nietzsche said, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” When your professional endeavors are in harmony with your personal beliefs, the work you do transcends mere tasks and becomes a source of deep personal satisfaction. This intrinsic motivation fuels a resilient dedication, enabling you to overcome obstacles with a strong sense of resolve.

Discussions around sustainability careers quickly transition to a focus on technical skills, training, education, and such. These are key enablers, but the force behind a career rooted in sustainability is the fact that your professional success add a measure of betterment to the world. Your daily efforts contribute to a larger mission, whether it’s combating climate change, promoting social equity, or advancing sustainable technologies. The impact of your work extends beyond the confines of your office or company, reaching into communities and ecosystems. This broader impact creates a virtuous cycle where your success not only advances your career but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable world.

This is not to say that working in purposeful companies doesn’t have its challenges, you may still end up with a crappy boss, with difficult clients, or struggle to achieve a work-life balance. The only difference is that these challenges will be cushioned by a knowledge that your patience, efforts, and perseverance are in the service of something bigger than yourself.

It is important to note that a purposeful career doesn’t equate to a charitable career. You don’t have to give up your quest for personal financial security and independence by choosing a sustainability career. On the contrary, a successful sustainability career can you offer you financial wealth, but most importantly, it will offer you a profound sense of fulfillment and alignment with your values.