Personal Reflections: The Morality of Writing in a World of Labor
What gives me the moral right to make a living by writing when the world is full of workers? People whose labor—physical or mental—can kill them. A crane operator, a carpenter, a nurse, a supermarket cashier—these are the abds and sheikhas of the world, tethered to their jobs by necessity, not a choice.
For them, work is sacrifice. For me, it brings life. Writing doesn’t leave me broken or burned out; it sustains me. And I’m not the only one. There are others like me—people who stumbled upon something that feels like a miracle, who now try to share it or sell it as if it were entirely their own.
I found writing by accident. I didn’t study it; I didn’t set out to do it. So, what can I teach anyone? Nothing, probably. And yet, here I am, trying to make something of this gift.
“God doesn’t agree with me.” Maybe He’s pushing me to help others in some way—through words, through presence, through whatever it is that writing gives me. I don’t know how, and I’m not wasting time trying to figure it out. My son is next to me. He needs me to help him fall asleep. That’s more important right now.
The Modern Dilemma: Work, Purpose, and Creation
In a world that idolizes hard labor, writing—and other creative work—feels like cheating. But maybe it’s not. Maybe it’s just a different form of labor:
- Work That Nourishes Instead of Destroys
Physical labor can break the body; mental labor can break the mind. Writing, like other creative pursuits, has the power to build—ourselves, our ideas, and our connections to others. - The Privilege of Purpose
Not everyone gets to work on something that feels meaningful. Writing gives us the privilege of purpose—a chance to explore, create, and contribute in ways that feel alive. - The Responsibility of the “Miracle”
If you’ve stumbled upon something that brings life, share it, but humbly. Writing—or any craft that feels like a gift—isn’t about mastery. It’s about offering something real to the world.
Practical Tips: Balancing Purpose with Everyday Responsibilities
- Honor Your Work, Whatever It May Be
Whether you’re a writer, a nurse, or a construction worker, your work matters. If your job brings you life, recognize it as a privilege and take responsibility for it. - Don’t Compare Labor
It’s easy to feel guilty when your work feels lighter than others’. Instead of comparison, focus on doing your work with integrity and gratitude. - Balance Creation with Connection
Writing sustains the soul, but connection sustains the heart. Be there for the people who matter—like my son, who needs me more than the page does right now. - Use Your Gift to Give Back
Even if you can’t teach or “sell” what you’ve found, you can share it. Good work—work that gives life—has a way of reaching others when done with humility. - Stay Present in What Matters
The words will wait. The miracles can wait. Life happens now, in the quiet moments—helping your child fall asleep, breathing the air, watching the day pass.
Work, in all its forms, is both a blessing and a burden. If writing feels like life, embrace it, but remember: it’s not just for you. It’s a gift you carry, and like all gifts, it’s meant to be shared.
Press pause. Help someone sleep. Then write again.
Embracing Work as a Journey of Connection
Work, in all its forms, offers a unique way to connect with our purpose and the communities we become part of. For those navigating the complexities of immigration, work becomes more than a means of survival—it becomes a bridge to integration, growth, and fulfillment.
To explore more about the journey of work and purpose in immigration, visit Holygration’s guide to immigration.
Written by Wa Alikum Salam, Immigrant.
