When Loving Your Job Feels Like Cheating

Have you ever loved your job so much that it almost felt like cheating? I've recently found myself in this place, and I must admit—it feels a little strange!

I attended Holden Evening Prayer last night, not just as a member of the congregation but also as the new administrative assistant for my church. Though I'm still finding my footing, it was wonderful introducing myself and meeting people in this dual capacity. For me, my role isn't just a job—it's deeply connected to my spirituality and sense of community.

Yet, I've noticed a strange feeling creeping in: guilt. It almost feels like I'm cheating because my work is so closely aligned with what brings me joy and fulfillment. Somewhere along the line, we've been conditioned to believe that work has to feel difficult or unpleasant to count as "real work." But what if that's not true?

I'm realizing more and more that meaningful work can—and perhaps should—feel joyful and easy sometimes. Society often tells us that work is supposed to be hard, stressful, and exhausting to count as legitimate. But maybe true fulfillment lies in finding work that aligns so closely with our passions and values that it feels effortless, even delightful.

If you've ever felt like your joy-filled work is somehow "cheating," I invite you to pause and reflect: Could this feeling simply be evidence that you're exactly where you're supposed to be?

For me, this realization has become an invitation to lean deeper into gratitude rather than guilt. After all, meaningful work that aligns with our true selves is something special, not something to second-guess.

Have you ever felt this way about your own work? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.