Fulfilling vs. Rewarding: Know the Difference
By Dua Fatima & Hifza Nasir || Updated on March 7, 2024
Fulfilling work satisfies a deep sense of purpose, while rewarding work offers tangible or emotional benefits.
Key Differences
Fulfilling work often involves activities that align with one’s personal values and aspirations, creating a sense of purpose and satisfaction. On the other hand, rewarding work can provide benefits such as financial compensation, recognition, or personal achievements, which contribute to a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Individuals may find work fulfilling when it impacts others positively, making a difference in the community or in someone’s life. Whereas, they may see work as rewarding when it results in personal gain or advancement, such as promotions, bonuses, or professional recognition.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
The sense of fulfillment is usually intrinsic, stemming from the joy of doing the work itself and its alignment with one’s passion. Rewarding experiences, however, are often extrinsic, marked by external validation or material gain.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
A job may be seen as fulfilling even without high financial rewards if it meets personal or emotional needs, suggesting fulfillment is closely linked to personal values. Conversely, a job might be considered rewarding primarily due to its financial incentives or prestige, emphasizing the external nature of rewards.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Some careers are inherently designed to be fulfilling, such as those in education, healthcare, or social work, because they focus on serving others. Rewarding careers might be more varied, including high-paying jobs in tech, finance, or entertainment, where success is often measured by outcomes and rewards.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Source of Satisfaction
Intrinsic values and personal growth.
Extrinsic rewards, such as money or status.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Impact
Positive influence on others or society.
Personal or professional advancement.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Nature of Benefits
Emotional and psychological.
Tangible benefits and emotional satisfaction.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Typical Fields
Education, healthcare, social services.
Tech, finance, entertainment, sports.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
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Fulfilling and Rewarding Definitions
Fulfilling
Deeply satisfying personally.
Volunteering at the animal shelter is fulfilling despite being unpaid.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Rewarding
Offering tangible benefits.
His job in finance is rewarding due to the high salary.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Fulfilling
Satisfying one’s sense of purpose.
Teaching is fulfilling for her because she shapes young minds.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Rewarding
Providing a sense of achievement.
Winning the championship was a rewarding experience.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Fulfilling
Encompassing activities that align with personal values.
Working in environmental conservation is fulfilling for him.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
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Rewarding
Leading to personal or professional advancement.
The research project was rewarding and led to a promotion.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Fulfilling
Involving a sense of achievement through personal growth.
Writing a novel was a fulfilling endeavor.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Rewarding
Involving recognition from others.
Receiving the Employee of the Month award was rewarding.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Fulfilling
Making a positive impact on others.
Being a nurse is fulfilling through the care provided to patients.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Rewarding
Giving emotional satisfaction.
Mentoring young professionals is rewarding for her.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Fulfilling
To bring into actuality; effect or make real
Fulfilled their promises.
Fulfilled her dream.
Dua Fatima
Oct 19, 2023
Rewarding
Providing satisfaction or gratification
A very rewarding career as a paramedic.
Dua Fatima
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a job be both fulfilling and rewarding?
Yes, many jobs offer both fulfillment and rewards, combining intrinsic satisfaction with extrinsic benefits.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
How do I find fulfilling work?
Identify your passions, values, and what makes you happy to find work that feels fulfilling.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
What makes work fulfilling?
Work becomes fulfilling when it aligns with personal values and contributes to a sense of purpose.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Do people prioritize rewarding over fulfilling work?
It varies; some prioritize financial rewards and recognition, while others seek personal satisfaction and purpose.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Are rewarding jobs always high-paying?
Not necessarily; rewarding jobs offer satisfaction through achievements, recognition, or personal growth, not just financial compensation.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Does fulfilling work require sacrifice?
Fulfilling work might sometimes require sacrifices, such as lower pay, in exchange for greater personal satisfaction.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Can volunteer work be fulfilling or rewarding?
Yes, volunteer work can be both fulfilling and rewarding, providing intrinsic satisfaction and recognition for contributions.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
How does fulfilling work impact well-being?
Fulfilling work can significantly enhance psychological well-being and life satisfaction.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Is fulfilling work less stressful?
Fulfilling work can still be challenging but may feel less stressful due to the intrinsic motivation and satisfaction it provides.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Is the concept of rewarding work subjective?
Yes, what is considered rewarding can vary greatly among individuals, depending on their values, goals, and what they find satisfying.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
What role does society play in defining fulfilling and rewarding work?
Society influences perceptions of fulfilling and rewarding work through cultural values, economic conditions, and social norms.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Can changing careers lead to more fulfilling work?
Yes, changing careers might be necessary to find work that aligns better with one's values and aspirations.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
How do employers provide fulfilling work environments?
Employers can offer fulfilling work by creating meaningful roles, recognizing contributions, and aligning tasks with employees' values.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Can pursuing hobbies be fulfilling or rewarding?
Yes, hobbies can provide fulfillment and rewards, offering a sense of satisfaction and achievement outside of professional work.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
How do I balance the desire for fulfilling and rewarding work?
Balancing involves understanding personal priorities, values, and what you seek to achieve in your career and life.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Dua Fatima
Co-written by
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
