The Work Matters—But the People Matter More

Last week, Gallup released its World Happiness Report, and while Scandinavian countries continue to dominate the top rankings, the United States has fallen to its lowest position ever—#24.

What’s driving happiness? Not money. Not economic growth. Instead, researchers point to something much simpler: trust, connection, and relationships.

This got me thinking about a pivotal career decision I faced years ago. I was debating whether to stay in a familiar role or take a leap into something entirely new. I analyzed every factor—salary, growth potential, job responsibilities. But in the end, the best advice I received didn’t come from a spreadsheet. It came from my dad.

💡 “It’s not about how much you like the work—it’s about how much you like the people.”

At first, this seemed counterintuitive. Isn’t career fulfillment about finding the right job? The perfect industry? A role that challenges and excites you? But the more I thought about it, the more I realized he was right.

A strong community makes work meaningful. Without the right people, even great work can feel empty.

I took the leap, trusted my instincts about the new team, and ended up loving the work, too—staying for nearly eight years in one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career.

Work Is More Than Just Work

Most of us will spend one-third of our lives working—a staggering amount of time. Yet, when considering career decisions, we often focus on titles, salaries, industries, and responsibilities instead of something arguably more important: the people and culture we’re joining.

For Individuals: Are You in the Right Place?

If relationships drive happiness, then the who matters just as much as the what in our careers. So, ask yourself:
✅ Do I feel valued, trusted, and supported by my team?
✅ Am I in an environment where I can learn, grow, and thrive?
✅ Does my workplace foster a culture of connection and collaboration?

Because fulfillment doesn’t come from just the work—it comes from who you’re doing it with.

For Leaders: What Kind of Culture Are You Creating?

If you’re in a leadership role, the stakes are even higher. The culture you build determines whether employees feel connected, empowered, and invested—or disengaged, isolated, and disposable.

🔹 Are you fostering an environment where people feel safe to take risks, grow, and bring their best selves to work?
🔹 Or are you unintentionally creating a workplace where people feel like just another cog in the machine?

Short-term, a culture of trust boosts morale and performance.
Long-term, it determines whether people simply endure their jobs—or fully commit to them.

At the end of the day, leadership isn’t just about strategy, execution, or hitting KPIs. It’s about building a culture where people feel like they belong. Because when people feel supported, connected, and valued, they don’t just work harder—they stay longer, contribute more, and bring their best selves to the table.

The Bottom Line

Career satisfaction isn’t just about the work you do—it’s about who you do it with.

So, if you’re considering a career move, look beyond the title and paycheck—consider the people and culture you’re stepping into.

And if you’re a leader, ask yourself: What kind of workplace am I creating? Because the legacy of a leader isn’t just in what they accomplish, but in how they shape the experiences of those around them.