A recent study is finding that people with near-death experiences (NDEs) have different ways of viewing their careers after their experience. According to research published in the Journal of Management, Spirituality, and Religion, people with NDEs move away from the grind of the everyday 9 to 5 and seek more meaningful work. Researchers interviewed 14 survivors (9 women and 5 men) who had an NDE, typically due to a medical incident or an accident. Researchers found that participants no longer felt drawn by the calls of financial achievement and moving up the corporate ladder. The participants worked in various fields, including waiting tables and farming, entrepreneurs, office jobs, marketing, and teaching.

A common theme of the participants was a desire to do meaningful work. “I was not interested in doing nonsense. . .  I just was not gonna waste my time on nonsense,” said one participant. Another participant described it like changing a character in a play. “I like to say that when I woke up in that hospital bed, I had a knowing that the character I was playing was no longer working for me and I had to change characters, and changing that character meant changing that job.” Most participants responded to their newfound insight by changing jobs completely, some even leaving behind high-paying jobs for ones that suited their passions more. Participants were more interested in work that involved personal growth and making a difference.

Even if survivors did not leave their job, their experience brought them new empathy that enhanced their current career. “I was a decent salesman before but this is, like, bringing spirituality into a quote-unquote sales position, which blows my mind,” said one participant. Another stated the experience gave them a sense of purpose. “It’s hard to come out of this experience and not feel there’s a reason why you’re here, and you hate to say it, but you feel you have this special gift now,” said the participant.

Previous studies have found that workers generally focus on three things: economic security, meaningful work, and high-quality relationships. An NDE shifts the priority from economic success to more meaningful work and relationships. “It’s about relationships, not achievements,” said one participant. Survivors of NDEs described heightened connections with colleagues and deeper empathy. While not everyone will experience an NDE, this realignment of values can be beneficial for all workers.