Long ago, one of my IITK professors lost his life to cancer. His colleague told me that until the very end, he kept working — he insisted that his files and other work be brought to him at the Visitors’ Hostel.
He only stopped working when he was physically no longer capable.
It is a heartbreaking story. But it is also inspiring that someone found so much meaning in their work.
We often say that on your deathbed, you will reflect on the time you spent with your family, not your work. That is true, but it is NOT the whole truth.
If you spend 60% of your waking hours and 90% of your mental energy on something (i.e., your job), you don’t want it to be a meaningless drag.
I am not urging you to “chase your passion” or seek non-stop excitement. But if your job is a soul-crushing, meaningless drag, you will know it. And if you know it, don’t dismiss it out of guilt — do something about it.
A good job does not equate to an easy job. Even the most coveted jobs involve grind and tedium. But that grind should be something you are happy to embrace, at least on most days. And there should also be some good days, some fun, some laughter.
If, on your deathbed, you don’t want to stop working, you have probably lived a good life.
It is a very high bar — but that is the bar.
– Rajan