— A Deep Dive into the Meaning of Work from the Perspective of a Severely Disabled Professional
Introduction | Is Money the Only Thing That Motivates People?
“If we just raise the salary, we’ll attract better people.”
This is a phrase often heard among executives and HR professionals.
It sounds logical—after all, we live in a capitalist society where money undeniably matters.
But is salary alone truly the key to attracting and retaining excellent talent?
As someone who acquired a severe physical disability mid-career, I’ve had to reconstruct my entire way of living. Through this process, I’ve come to realize something deeply important:
There are meanings to work that go far beyond monetary compensation.
And yet, without sufficient salary, survival itself becomes impossible.
In this blog, I’ll explore the balance between “salary” and “meaning” in the context of securing and sustaining top talent. Through my lived experience and philosophical insight, I aim to offer a fresh perspective on what it truly means to work—and to be valued.
Chapter 1 | What Does It Mean to Be “Top Talent”?
When we hear “top talent,” many of us think of:
- Prestigious degrees
- Impressive corporate backgrounds
- Highly marketable skills (like IT or English proficiency)
These attributes are easy to recognize and quantify, but they don’t necessarily reflect someone’s true value in a team.
In my professional life, I’ve worked with countless “truly talented” individuals who didn’t have fancy résumés.
Instead, they were:
- Team players who anticipated what was needed and acted quickly
- Diligent workers who handled critical, unseen tasks
- Mediators who smoothed conflicts and maintained harmony
True talent is not in visible credentials—it’s in how someone contributes meaningfully and consistently.
Chapter 2 | Why Salary Alone Can’t Sustain Motivation
Psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, known for their Self-Determination Theory, highlight two main types of motivation:
- Intrinsic Motivation: Driven by curiosity, growth, or purpose
- Extrinsic Motivation: Driven by rewards, evaluation, or pressure
People who are intrinsically motivated tend to sustain higher performance and fulfillment over time.
After becoming severely disabled, I began to work not just to “earn a living,” but to “live with meaning.”
Work became a source of:
- Connection
- Purpose
- Self-worth
Money pays the bills, but meaning feeds the soul.
If the work lacks significance, no amount of compensation can make it truly fulfilling.
Chapter 3 | Still, Salary Is Extremely Important
Let’s not pretend that money doesn’t matter.
That would be naive.
For people like me, salary is not just income—it’s life support. It covers:
- Medical devices and supplies
- Assistive technology and electricity
- Home care, transport, and daily living aids
Without stable income, my independence and even survival are at risk.
Moreover, salary protects human dignity:
- It means we are not dependent on charity
- It gives us the power to choose and act
- It affirms that our work is valuable and recognized
Salary is not just compensation—it’s validation.
Chapter 4 | What Should Companies Actually Do?
Rethinking Compensation Structures
Rather than short-term bonus tactics, companies should aim for:
- Fair and transparent base salaries
- Evaluations based on not just results but collaboration, attitude, and growth
- Non-monetary rewards: flexibility, autonomy, learning opportunities
Creating a Culture People Want to Be Part Of
Top talent is not just looking for a paycheck. They’re looking for:
- A mission they can believe in
- Work that brings pride
- A culture that values growth and contribution
If your company can’t answer “Why does this work matter?”, you’ll lose talent—even with high pay.
Chapter 5 | Living at the Crossroads of Meaning and Money
As a severely disabled person, I live at the intersection of necessity and meaning.
- Without income, I can’t live
- Without meaning, I can’t endure life
This truth applies not only to disabled individuals but to everyone.
We all need to feel both materially secure and emotionally engaged.
And work is the most direct way to achieve that balance.
Conclusion | Meaning Alone Isn’t Enough. But Neither Is Money.
People don’t work just for money.
But they also can’t work without it.
We move through meaning. We survive through salary.
That’s why companies must pursue a thoughtful balance between the two.
And each of us must keep asking:
Why do I work?
What kind of life do I want to build?
Top talent isn’t someone who moves for the highest salary.
It’s someone who grows with a team, seeks purpose, and commits to meaningful contribution—while being fairly compensated.
That, to me, is the real definition of excellence.
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