“The true way to render ourselves happy is to love our work and find in it our pleasure.”

There's a lot of truth in this quote by French writer Francoise de Motteville. No matter what you do to earn a living, you will be a happier person if you get satisfaction from your work.

Research by Amy Wrzesniewski, a psychologist at Yale University, suggests that most people approach their work in one of three ways: as a job, a career or a calling.

If you fall into the job category, then you are someone who works for no other reason than to earn an income (these people often find true enjoyment outside their 9-to-5 existence).

A career involves a deeper investment, where achievements are marked through money and advancement.

A calling, however, is a passionate commitment to work. The work is fulfilling in its own right, without regard for income or advancement.

Those lucky enough to pursue their calling are inspired by the work they do. They exude enthusiasm. They jump out of bed each day knowing they have a full day of work ahead of them (lucky them!).

The reason they get such satisfaction from their work all comes down to their work being consistent with their purpose. They know what makes them happy, and they make sure their work fits this agenda. It's about clarity of purpose.

It doesn’t matter what you do or how much you earn, job satisfaction comes from the inside out.

If you fall into the job category and feel frustrated, stressed and burnt out, maybe it’s time to re-think your circumstances?

Grab a pen and paper and write down what makes you happy. What is your purpose?

List your character strengths and traits. Use this piece of paper as a base to decide what kind of work would make you happier. Then start an action plan.

Don’t hold back and have fun with it. And remember, it’s never too late to find your calling in life.