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.

Fulfilling vs. Rewarding

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Comparison Chart

Source of Satisfaction

Intrinsic values and personal growth.

Extrinsic rewards, such as money or status.

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Motivation

Passion and purpose.

Recognition, achievements, and compensation.

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Impact

Positive influence on others or society.

Personal or professional advancement.

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Nature of Benefits

Emotional and psychological.

Tangible benefits and emotional satisfaction.

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Typical Fields

Education, healthcare, social services.

Tech, finance, entertainment, sports.

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Fulfilling and Rewarding Definitions

Fulfilling

Deeply satisfying personally.

Volunteering at the animal shelter is fulfilling despite being unpaid.

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Rewarding

Offering tangible benefits.

His job in finance is rewarding due to the high salary.

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Fulfilling

Satisfying one’s sense of purpose.

Teaching is fulfilling for her because she shapes young minds.

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Rewarding

Providing a sense of achievement.

Winning the championship was a rewarding experience.

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Fulfilling

Encompassing activities that align with personal values.

Working in environmental conservation is fulfilling for him.

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Rewarding

Leading to personal or professional advancement.

The research project was rewarding and led to a promotion.

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Fulfilling

Involving a sense of achievement through personal growth.

Writing a novel was a fulfilling endeavor.

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Rewarding

Involving recognition from others.

Receiving the Employee of the Month award was rewarding.

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Fulfilling

Making a positive impact on others.

Being a nurse is fulfilling through the care provided to patients.

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Rewarding

Giving emotional satisfaction.

Mentoring young professionals is rewarding for her.

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Fulfilling

To bring into actuality; effect or make real

Fulfilled their promises.

Fulfilled her dream.

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Rewarding

Providing satisfaction or gratification

A very rewarding career as a paramedic.

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Fulfilling

To do, perform, or obey (a task or order, for example); carry out.

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Rewarding

Affording profit; remunerative

A rewarding business venture.

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Fulfilling

To meet (a requirement or condition); satisfy.

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Rewarding

Giving or resulting in reward or satisfaction.

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Fulfilling

Which causes fulfilment; emotionally or artistically satisfying.

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Rewarding

Present participle of reward

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Fulfilling

Present participle of fulfill

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Rewarding

Providing personal satisfaction;

A rewarding career as a paramedic

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Fulfilling

Present participle of fulfil

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Fulfilling

Fulfilment

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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.

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How do I find fulfilling work?

Identify your passions, values, and what makes you happy to find work that feels fulfilling.

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What makes work fulfilling?

Work becomes fulfilling when it aligns with personal values and contributes to a sense of purpose.

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Do people prioritize rewarding over fulfilling work?

It varies; some prioritize financial rewards and recognition, while others seek personal satisfaction and purpose.

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Are rewarding jobs always high-paying?

Not necessarily; rewarding jobs offer satisfaction through achievements, recognition, or personal growth, not just financial compensation.

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Does fulfilling work require sacrifice?

Fulfilling work might sometimes require sacrifices, such as lower pay, in exchange for greater personal satisfaction.

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Can volunteer work be fulfilling or rewarding?

Yes, volunteer work can be both fulfilling and rewarding, providing intrinsic satisfaction and recognition for contributions.

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How does fulfilling work impact well-being?

Fulfilling work can significantly enhance psychological well-being and life satisfaction.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How do employers provide fulfilling work environments?

Employers can offer fulfilling work by creating meaningful roles, recognizing contributions, and aligning tasks with employees' values.

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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.

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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.

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