A study from Western University in Ontario, Canada, published in Frontiers in Psychology, reveals that near-death experiences (NDEs) profoundly impact how people view their jobs. Analyzing posts from over 1,600 Reddit users on the r/NDE subreddit, researchers found that NDEs often lead to significant shifts in career priorities and life perspectives.
Key findings include:
- Reduced Focus on Money and Status: Many individuals reported less interest in financial success or societal prestige, prioritizing meaningful work instead.
- Desire for Purposeful Careers: Post-NDE, people often sought jobs aligned with personal values, such as helping others or pursuing creative passions.
- Increased Work-Life Balance: Survivors emphasized spending more time with loved ones and less on work-related stress.
- Spiritual and Psychological Growth: NDEs frequently sparked a sense of interconnectedness and a reevaluation of life’s purpose, influencing career choices.
For example, one Reddit user described quitting a high-pressure corporate job to pursue art, valuing personal fulfillment over income. Another shifted to a caregiving role, finding it more aligned with their newfound sense of purpose.
The study suggests NDEs act as a catalyst for reevaluating work’s role in life, often leading to bolder career changes and a focus on intrinsic rewards over extrinsic ones. While some faced challenges, like financial adjustments, most expressed greater satisfaction with their new paths.