What's the relationship between work and meaning?

I've been thinking about this question a lot. I've heard it argued that our work gives meaning to our lives in a way that no other pursuit can. I've heard the opposite argued, that work can take away from the things that bring us joy and meaning.<br><br>I think it's clear that while work is necessary to sustain life, it doesn't give life meaning. If all my time is consumed by work, then what time do I have for the things that bring meaning? But if I don't do work, then my life isn't sustainable. How do we find meaning in our lives if our time and energy is consumed by work?<br><br>I think the answer is to find work that itself brings meaning. I feel like this is a common bit of advice, but it feels unattainable. I've heard arguments that we should all just drop out and live 'off the grid' because that's the only way we can escape the drudgery of work. But I think that's unrealistic for most of us. Do we all need to abandon our 'day jobs' to find meaning in life?