What I Learned About Work From My Mini Aussie
"She needs a job," everyone told me. "She'll be fine if you give her a job."
These experts, colleagues, and Reddit-ers all told me the same thing about my mini Australian Shepherd in her first few months with us. They assured me she’d be fine if I gave her a job to do.
I had no idea what they meant; I soon found out though.
Early Lessons
Our first "pandemic pup," Travis, taught us the hard way about the importance of early socialization. He didn't get out enough and became, shall we say, a bit of a haughty prince. So, when Tessa joined our family at 18 months old, we made sure she experienced the world, from lively breweries to bustling dog parks.
Travis adores reigning over a good brewery patio, basking in the adoration of his many fans. Tessa is different. She was skittish at first, fearful. We'd keep our distance from other dogs at the park. She'd whimper if not glued to my side on a patio.
She did well at her group doggie training classes, but she never wanted to socialize afterwards. She was okay, but always humming with low-level anxiety. She was definitely not thriving.
Why is “a job” important?
With the advice friends and strangers ringing in my ears, I started giving Tessa “jobs” in anxious situations. Hiding under the bench? I'd tell her to sit, lie down, stay. Anxious at the dog park? I'd bring her to the agility course and watch her run those ramps with unparalleled determination.
The change was remarkable. When Tessa hears a command or zeroes in on a mission, she’s completely transformed. She becomes focused, determined, and quietly confident (this also applies to her passion for stealing socks—a job she's assigned herself). Charged with a purpose, she unlocks a calm self-assurance I’ve only seen on televised dog shows.
I’ve started giving Tessa more “jobs” both inside and outside the house now. Watching her methodically work through a puzzle toy or master a new command, I’ve been reflecting on how having “a job” affects us all.
The Human Connection: Why do we work?
Do we need work? Does work need us anymore? With AI reshaping industries, discussions around universal basic income gaining traction, and millions participating in the "Great Resignation," these questions feel more urgent than ever.
In early 2022, I founded WhyWork, an employee engagement consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and teams define and discuss the "why" behind their work. What I've learned in these past three years is that everyone's "why" is unique - and understanding it changes everything.
When you're unclear on your purpose, it's incredibly difficult to be engaged—in work or in life itself. Gallup calls this state of purposeful engagement "thriving," and the research shows it affects everything from productivity to mental health.
The Power of Purpose
Sometimes you work for money, sometimes for belonging, sometimes to quiet that humming anxiety, and sometimes to channel passion into something meaningful. Your daily work might be a job, a career, or a calling. It could provide financial security or be something you pursue on the side because it lights you up.
The label doesn't matter. What matters is clarity about your purpose—and helping those around you understand what focuses you, drives your commitment, and directs your energy.
The Ripple Effect of Understanding Purpose
When we know our "why" and share it with others, something magical happens. We communicate more consciously. We appreciate differences more deeply. When we know what drives us - and those around us - we create environments where all humans (and apparently, anxious Australian Shepherds) can thrive.
Tessa is confident in public now. She’s less anxious and laser-focused on her “jobs” inside and outside the house. Her sock collection is growing.
The dog world may call it "a job," but I think they mean something much more profound—purpose. Watching Tessa transform from an anxious pup into a confident, mission-driven dog has been one of my greatest joys.
Whether we call it work, purpose, or calling, the principle remains the same: we all need something that makes us feel focused, valued, and alive. Helping Tessa find her purpose has reminded me why I'm so passionate about helping humans discover theirs.
The process helps everyone involved truly thrive.