{"id":28087,"date":"2021-11-18T09:49:49","date_gmt":"2021-11-18T14:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2021\/11\/18\/finding-meaning-in-what-one-does\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T09:45:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T13:45:07","slug":"finding-meaning-in-what-one-does","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2021\/11\/18\/finding-meaning-in-what-one-does\/","title":{"rendered":"3. Finding meaning in what one does"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From work to travel to personal hobbies, people across the 17 publics surveyed draw meaning and fulfillment from the activities that make up their daily lives. This is particularly the case when it comes to people\u2019s occupations and careers, which are a top-three source of meaning in many publics. People mention finding meaning in myriad aspects of their work, such as the mission of their own profession, their coworkers, or the sense of personal growth it provides them. On the other hand, some people \u2013 particularly older adults \u2013 find meaning in the&nbsp;<em>absence<\/em>&nbsp;of work: retirement. People also rely on their personal hobbies, education, volunteer work and travel for a sense of purpose, referencing everything from listening to music to international trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;occupation-and-career&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-prc-block-chapter\" id=\"occupation-and-career\">Occupation and career<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2021\/11\/18\/finding-meaning-in-what-one-does\/pg_11-18-21_meaning-of-life_3_0-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-35382\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e3e4d8\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_0.png?resize=480,909 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_0.png?resize=620,1174 620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"587\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_0.png?w=310\" alt=\"Work is commonly cited as a source of meaning in life\" class=\"wp-image-35382 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #e3e4d8; width:310px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Work is one of the most common sources of meaning for adults around the world: A median of 25% across the 17 publics mention their job, career or profession. In 12 of the 17 publics surveyed, work is among the top three most mentioned topics \u2013 and in Spain, it ranks even higher than family and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As one Italian man put it, \u201cIn accordance with the Italian Constitution, to have a job and dignity. Most of all to have a job, because without a job it is difficult to have dignity.\u201d \u201cI have a job I like and that is fundamental for a person,\u201d explained one Spanish woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2021\/11\/18\/finding-meaning-in-what-one-does\/pg_11-18-21_meaning-of-life_3_1-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-35384\"><img data-dominant-color=\"f0f0ef\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_1.png?resize=480,918 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_1.png?resize=620,1186 620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"593\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_1.png?w=310\" alt=\"Those with higher incomes more likely to draw meaning from work\" class=\"wp-image-35384 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #f0f0ef; width:310px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many emphasize how work provides them with a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. As one man in the Netherlands explained, \u201cThe most important thing for me is work. I think it is very important to build my career, to build my life, so that I\u2019m doing better and better. And the way to do that is to take a lot of personal responsibility and work hard.\u201d Another man in Japan remarked, \u201cI got the job that I wanted, so being able to keep doing that. I\u2019ll have left my mark when I look back on my life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, some people mention difficulties or challenges in their professional life. \u201cIn my job I don\u2019t feel satisfied because they don\u2019t give me personal days,\u201d explained one Italian woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like with finding meaning in family, people between the ages of 30 and 49 are typically the most likely to find meaning in their job or career. For example, in Italy, 59% of those ages 30 to 49 say work gives them meaning, while roughly half or fewer of any other age group agree. Still, mentions of work are quite prominent among most other age groups, though notably lower among those 65 and older.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-300-wide has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f7f7f1\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI run two companies and work as a salesperson. I work with producing and selling groceries. Work is what is most satisfying right now. I find it very fun and work about 100 hours per week.\u201d<\/em> <em>\u2013Man, 21, Sweden<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wealthier and more educated adults are also more likely to mention finding meaning in their work. In many cases, higher earners are twice as likely or more to mention their jobs as lower earners. For example, 28% of those earning above the median income in the UK mention their job or career, compared with 11% of those with incomes at or below the median. Similar differences also appear between those with and without postsecondary degrees. In&nbsp;the U.S., work was brought up by roughly a quarter (26%) of those with college degrees, but just 11% of less educated adults mentioned work.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;retirement&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-prc-block-chapter\" id=\"retirement\">Retirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2021\/11\/18\/finding-meaning-in-what-one-does\/pg_11-18-21_meaning-of-life_3_2-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-35386\"><img data-dominant-color=\"f0f0ee\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_2.png?resize=480,909 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_2.png?resize=620,1174 620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"587\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_2.png?w=310\" alt=\"Few mention retirement as source of meaning in life \" class=\"wp-image-35386 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #f0f0ee; width:310px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When describing what gives them meaning and satisfaction in life, some mention enjoying \u2013 or looking forward to \u2013 their retirement years, though in no public surveyed do more than 4% mention it. Those who do focus on retirement tend to emphasize how it affords them the freedom to do more of what they enjoy. \u201cI have more time for me. I\u2019m exploring new options, new things, and I\u2019m enjoying the next chapter in my life,\u201d explained one Australian woman. \u201c[I] don\u2019t have financial stress. I can go traveling and visit around. Life is very convenient,\u201d said another woman in Taiwan. Others enjoyed the slower place in life, like a man in New Zealand who explained, \u201cMy lifestyle is very slow these days so I am satisfied.\u201d And some responses were more succinct, like the man in the UK whose entire response was simply the remark, \u201cThe fact that I no longer work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-300-wide has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f7f7f1\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI\u2019m retired so I don\u2019t have to get up early, I\u2019m free and can do whatever I want. There\u2019s nobody to tell me what to do.\u201d \u2013Man, 62, Belgium<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unsurprisingly, retirement is more commonly mentioned by older adults in nearly all of the publics surveyed. In Germany, for example, 9% of those ages 65 and older mention their retirement, while almost no one ages 64 and under brings it up.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;hobbies-and-recreation&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-prc-block-chapter\" id=\"hobbies-and-recreation\">Hobbies and recreation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2021\/11\/18\/finding-meaning-in-what-one-does\/pg_11-18-21_meaning-of-life_3_3-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-35388\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e9eae3\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_3.png?resize=480,909 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_3.png?resize=620,1174 620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"587\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_3.png?w=310\" alt=\"Britons most likely to find meaning in personal hobbies\" class=\"wp-image-35388 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #e9eae3; width:310px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the 17 publics surveyed, a median of 10% mention finding meaning in personal hobbies and recreational activities, ranging from a high of 22% in the UK to a low of 3% in South Korea. In the UK, hobbies are the third most commonly cited source of meaning, following only family and friends. In Greece, Japan and Taiwan, hobbies rank in the top five sources of meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Respondents highlight myriad types of recreational activities. One Briton, for example, explained that he enjoys \u201cwatching movies and having access to internet, football, music, entertainment and museums.\u201d Others reference things like reading, playing music, attending cultural events or simply relaxing and spending time at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people cite pastimes that allow them to spend time outdoors, often connecting their hobbies with an appreciation of nature. One Canadian, for example, replied that she gets meaning from \u201c\u2026 being able to go outside [and] going on walks\u201d while others highlight the benefits of being able to surf, ski or bicycle in the beautiful surroundings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-300-wide has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f7f7f1\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cCreating books, writing, I do particularly enjoy capturing what I see and it\u2019s quite [fulfilling] for me. Having something to collect as well. I collect cameras and electronics, I find that an [interesting] hobby.\u201d<\/em> <em>\u2013Man, 23, Singapore<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In eight publics surveyed, young people are significantly more likely to cite personal hobbies as meaningful parts of their lives. This difference is greatest in Greece, where roughly three-in-ten 18- to 29-year-olds reference recreational activities, compared with 7% of those ages 65 and older. In five publics, men are more likely to mention their hobbies than are women, including Australia, where 14% of women do so compared with 23% of men. In some places, those on the ideological left and those who are more educated are also more likely to mention hobbies than those on the right and those with less education, respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;travel-and-new-experiences&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-prc-block-chapter\" id=\"travel-and-new-experiences\">Travel and new experiences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2021\/11\/18\/finding-meaning-in-what-one-does\/pg_11-18-21_meaning-of-life_3_4-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-35390\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eeefec\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_4.png?resize=480,906 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_4.png?resize=620,1170 620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"585\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_4.png?w=310\" alt=\"For some, meaning in life comes from traveling and new experiences\" class=\"wp-image-35390 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eeefec; width:310px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Occasionally, people mention traveling and having new experiences as part of what gives their life meaning. One French man, for example, explained, \u201cI have a full and meaningful life, and I have traveled a lot and had lots of experiences, so compared to others I think I have a wonderful life.\u201d Likewise, a Japanese woman explained that \u201cI think I have a pretty good life traveling to many countries with my husband, kids and grandkids.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In all publics surveyed, travel is mentioned infrequently. These mentions show up most often in Australia and New Zealand, with 4% in these places bringing up traveling and having new experiences. Only 1% in Japan, Singapore and Taiwan do the same, and virtually no one in South Korea brings up travel. This makes travel the least frequently mentioned source of meaning in South Korea (along with pets). For other publics, travel does not make it into the top 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people indicate they find meaning from travel within their own country, and others specify international travel and encountering different cultures as something they find satisfying. One man in Spain said that he finds it meaningful \u201cto have more freedom to travel the world, [with] ease of movement between countries, not only between European Union countries but also others.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-300-wide has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f7f7f1\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201c\u2026 I travel around the world and have been to a lot of places. I can see different things in different countries.\u201d<\/em> <em>\u2013Man, 24, New Zealand<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In four countries, including the U.S., those with higher incomes are somewhat more likely to mention travel as a source of meaning than those with lower incomes. For example, in the U.S., 6% of people with incomes at or above the national median mention travel as something meaningful, compared with 2% of those with lower incomes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some respondents also mention travel in the context of COVID-19, bemoaning the inability to travel given current restrictions. One woman in the U.S. declared, \u201cIt\u2019s been more stressful at work because of the pandemic. What keeps me going is hope, hope that one day I will be able to get on a plane again for vacation and leave this country.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;education-and-learning&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-prc-block-chapter\" id=\"education-and-learning\">Education and learning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2021\/11\/18\/finding-meaning-in-what-one-does\/pg_11-18-21_meaning-of-life_3_5-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-35392\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eeeeea\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_5.png?resize=480,907 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_5.png?resize=620,1172 620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"586\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_5.png?w=310\" alt=\"Learning provides some with satisfaction in life\" class=\"wp-image-35392 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eeeeea; width:310px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some respondents also mention education and learning when discussing what provides meaning in their lives. In these cases, people mention attending university, staying informed and the pursuit of knowledge more generally. For one German woman, meaning in life comes from continuous learning: \u201cLife is about learning new things, about progress, and staying curious.\u201d Another Dutch man instead referenced his formal education: \u201cI started university in the Netherlands. I am very happy about that. Because I am a refugee, I didn\u2019t think I could go to university, but it turned out to be possible. It\u2019s great that it\u2019s possible.\u201d&nbsp;In a handful of places, those on the ideological left are also somewhat more likely to mention learning than those on the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fewer than one-in-ten bring up education in all publics surveyed. Education comes up most frequently in Australia and Sweden, where 8% refer to learning in the context of meaning in their lives. Similar shares also bring up learning in New Zealand. In most places, education is roughly the 10th most mentioned source of meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-300-wide has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f7f7f1\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI view life as an endless opportunity to learn and be informed. Self-discovery. We can do little for the world, so we should start by working on ourselves first. I find this journey of discovery fulfilling.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em> <em>\u2013Man, 54, Italy<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across all places surveyed, younger adults ages 18 to 29 are more likely than older adults 65 and older to bring up education. For instance, 31% of Swedish adults under 30 bring up learning while only 1% of Swedes 65 and older do the same.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;service-and-civic-engagement&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-prc-block-chapter\" id=\"service-and-civic-engagement\">Service and civic engagement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2021\/11\/18\/finding-meaning-in-what-one-does\/pg_11-18-21_meaning-of-life_3_6-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-35394\"><img data-dominant-color=\"efefec\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_6.png?resize=480,952 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_6.png?resize=620,1230 620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"615\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/PG_11.18.21_meaning-of-life_3_6.png?w=310\" alt=\"Americans, some in Asia-Pacific especially likely to find meaning in service  \" class=\"wp-image-35394 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #efefec; width:310px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Service to the community and civic engagement are part of a meaningful life for some people, ranging from a high of 7% who say this in the U.S. to a low of 1% in France, Germany, Greece and South Korea. Only in Singapore, Italy and Taiwan did service rank as a top 10 source of meaning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people speak in general terms about the benefits of service and trying to make the world a better place. For example, one American man stated, \u201cI feel it is important to treat people with kindness and respect, to work to correct injustices, to encourage people to use their talents in a positive way, and to bring good cheer into people\u2019s lives. In short, to have a positive impact on the world.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others explicitly focus on the types of service that they do, like specific volunteer activities or work with particular causes. One Australian woman shared that she \u201cstarted off doing a lot of volunteer jobs looking after the farms during the drought, so giving the farmers respite and at no charge whatsoever.\u201d A man from France said, \u201cVolunteering during the pandemic brings me a lot of satisfaction, it\u2019s my way to contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-300-wide has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f7f7f1\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI raise my grandkids to be aware of how to avoid wasting food,&nbsp;and to recycle. I volunteer, giving mothers guidance about buying local and cooking their own meals, instead of buying industrial products.\u201d<\/em> <em>\u2013Woman, 70, Belgium<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some countries, people with more education tend to be more likely to say they draw meaning from some type of community engagement or service. In Australia, 8% of people with at least a postsecondary degree include community service in their answer about what gives them meaning, compared with 4% of those with less education.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From work to travel to personal hobbies, people across the 17 publics surveyed draw meaning and fulfillment from the activities that make up their daily lives. This is particularly the case when it comes to people\u2019s occupations and careers, which are a top-three source of meaning in many publics. 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