One way to determine whether your work is fulfilling is to observe how you spend your downtime. Consider your energy level in response to the activities you partake in. Consider “A” a bucket of activities that give you energy and joy. Consider “B” neutral. Consider “C” the opposite of A; it drains you of energy, and just thinking about it puts you in misery. You can determine your fulfillment level by observing your relationship with “B” activities during your downtime. Whether going into the state of not being drained feels like relief or waste of time depends on the your work’s overall fulfillment level.
For instance, if you find yourself eagerly awaiting the end of the work day to grab a beer and mindlessly watch TV, it’s likely that your work is not very fulfilling. It might be draining, leaving you fatigued even at the thought of it. In this case, transitioning to neutral “B” activities, such as watching television, feels like a relief as it allows you to recuperate. You are likely to choose passive activities during your leisure time. On the contrary, if you perceive zoning out in front of the TV as a waste of time, it suggests that your work probably consists of “A” activities that energize and invigorate you. In this scenario, transitioning into a neutral state feels wasteful because it doesn’t stimulate or engage you. By observing how you spend your downtime, you can gain valuable insights into your own preferences and potentially uncover your true passions.
