In today’s modern workplace, the term “involution” (or “excessive competition”) is frequently mentioned. Many people feel immense pressure from both work and life: endless overtime, relentless competition, and constant anxiety. So, which aspects of your job are truly worth “competing” hard for, and where should you wisely relax to avoid meaningless burnout? More importantly, how can you genuinely find your own sense of value and fulfillment in your work?
1. How to Find a Sense of Value at Work?
A sense of value is the driving force that keeps us moving forward in our careers. We only want to keep investing ourselves when we can clearly see tangible returns from our efforts, enjoying the process along the way. This sense of value mainly comes from several key sources:
1. Seeing the Concrete Results of Your Efforts
Reflecting on my experience as a programmer over 20 years ago, I could clearly witness the direct impact of my work. For example, a business process that used to take 2-3 weeks was shortened to just 2-4 days after implementing a new system, greatly improving efficiency.
Before launching, I personally stayed close to frontline service desks to solve urgent issues in real time. Seeing users happily adopt the software gave me an irreplaceable sense of achievement and pride. The changes brought by my hard work genuinely affected others, creating a strong feeling of value.
2. Receiving Tangible Rewards—Financial and Material
Material rewards are the most straightforward reflection of value. At company performance award ceremonies, top performers receive cash bonuses or even cars. Standing on the stage to receive an award fills everyone with pride.
In my own experience managing multiple projects, while individual project budgets were modest, the total year-end bonus was quite substantial. The moment the bonus hit my bank account, the joy and recognition felt were the best affirmations of my hard work.
3. Growth and Enhancement of Your Abilities
When I first joined the workforce, I took on a challenging special project and was solely responsible for one business segment. Initially, we planned to outsource it, but the quotes were too high for the company. After many attempts and reflections over 5-6 months, I solved the problem myself, feeling an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
More importantly, this experience significantly improved my skills and boosted my confidence. Workplace value isn’t just about external recognition—it’s about continually validating and growing your own capabilities.
4. Gaining Recognition and Support from Family and Loved Ones
Hard work pays off not only in money and career growth but also in improving family life. For example, after receiving a bonus, I took my family on their first overseas vacation. Watching my kids play happily on the sunny beach and seeing my wife’s smiling face gave me a deep sense of happiness and purpose.
Later, buying our dream home and celebrating with my family brought a profound feeling of achievement. Family recognition is a vital pillar of workplace value, offering tremendous emotional support.
2. The Right Ways and Directions to “Compete” at Work
“Competing” doesn’t mean mindless overtime or meaningless rivalry. It means deliberately and strategically investing your time and energy to bring real value to yourself and your job. Here are some guidelines to help you find the right way to “compete”:
1. Keep a Work Journal to Track Your Gains and Growth
Develop a habit of journaling to record key moments that energize you and bring a sense of achievement at work, such as:
- Activities that fully engage and motivate you.
- Reflection on which tasks brought clear benefits and what you learned from them.
Reviewing these notes helps you better understand what work suits you and which efforts are worth your time and energy.
2. Identify and Cultivate Your Flow Moments
Flow moments are when you are fully absorbed, happy, and motivated while working. Frequent flow experiences indicate that the job is a good fit and worth your investment.
Conversely, if you never experience flow and instead feel boredom, stress, anxiety, or dread, it’s a red flag. Such jobs drain your enthusiasm and hinder growth.
If you can leave your current role, consider switching jobs or careers. For stable but limiting roles like public sector or state-owned enterprises, focus your energy on developing a side career or second path to prepare for the future.
3. Choose Areas to “Compete” That Bring Growth and Value
Ask yourself: Which tasks help me learn and grow? Which projects give me a sense of achievement? Concentrate your time and energy on areas that enhance your skills and demonstrate your worth.
Blindly engaging in office politics or meaningless busywork wastes time and harms your wellbeing. Smart competition means prioritizing tasks that truly matter and learning to say no to “time wasters.”
3. Run Away from Bad Jobs, Dive into Good Jobs
Workplaces can be battlegrounds, but not every fight is worth your all. If you are stuck in a draining job with no growth, don’t hesitate to get out. Break the negative cycle and seek a role better suited to you.
But if you find a job that excites you, challenges you, and helps you grow, invest wholeheartedly. Good work brings surprises, motivation, and fulfillment, becoming the foundation of your career advancement.
4. How to “Compete” Wisely Where It Matters and Relax Where It Doesn’t
- Identify the work that gives you a real sense of value.
- Keep a habit of journaling and reflecting on your flow and growth moments.
- Be clear about your direction; avoid pointless competition and busywork.
- Say no to bad jobs and fully embrace good opportunities.
- Maintain recognition from your family and yourself, giving your work true meaning.
Learning to “compete smartly” helps you keep your passion alive, stay healthy, and ultimately achieve success in both your career and life.