ABSTRACT
The importance of finding meaningful work and interests is central to the thinking of Erikson and Fromm, among many others. Along with capacities for relationship, aloneness, mourning, and aging, work is one of life’s fundamental challenges. Work can serve many purposes (aside from remuneration). It can be an avenue toward self-realization, self-respect, the sense of contributing to society, a way to structure time, and, sometimes, an opportunity to confront personal demons. What are the strengths required to forge a rewarding work life, and how might the clinician facilitate their development?
