Simone Stolzoff, author of "The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work," challenges our expectations of work and its role in our lives. He explores the rise of work as our primary identity and its impact on our well-being. Stolzoff discusses the challenges faced by professionals, vocational awe, and the transformation of workplaces. He also redefines the relationship between work and identity, emphasizing the importance of rest, relationships, and diversifying our sources of meaning. Finally, he offers strategies for improving our relationship with work.
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Quick takeaways
Diversifying our sources of identity and meaning can protect us from the negative consequences of work-centric lives.
Cultivating different facets of ourselves enhances resilience and creativity, balancing the risks of workism.
Deep dives
The dangers of work becoming our sole source of identity
The podcast episode emphasizes the risks of solely relying on work for identity, purpose, and meaning. The speaker argues that work should be a part of our identity, but not the only source. By diversifying our sources of identity and meaning, we can protect ourselves from the negative consequences of work-centric lives.
Understanding the concept of workism
The podcast explains the concept of workism, which refers to treating work as a form of religious identity. Workism involves seeking purpose, community, and identity solely from one's job. The podcast highlights the dangers of workism, such as the loss of identity if one loses their job or unrealistic expectations placed on work.
Learning from individuals who broke free from workism
The podcast features stories of individuals who recognized the detrimental effects of workism and found a better way to balance their lives. One example is Divya Singh, an entrepreneur who initially believed that her job defined her entire being. However, she realized the importance of diversifying her identities and investing in other aspects of her life after her work consumed her. The podcast suggests that cultivating different facets of ourselves can enhance resilience and creativity.
The myth of the 'dream job' and the value of self-complexity
The podcast debunks the myth of the 'dream job' and investigates how it can lead to disappointment. It emphasizes the importance of self-complexity, which involves developing multiple identities and passions beyond work. The podcast argues that relying solely on work for fulfillment can be risky, and having a diversified sense of self can lead to more resilience and creativity.
For many, work is the centerpiece of our lives. It’s not only a source of status and fulfillment, but also central to our identity.
But what do we miss out on when hold these expectations of our work? What does it cost us?
That’s the question Simone Stolzoff asks in his book, The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work. In answering this question, he explains the drivers that got us here, the reasons society and culture reinforce them, and what life might look like if we reframed the role of work in our lives. He challenges us to recognize who benefits by us making work the whole of our lives.
Episode Links
Losing Your Job Doesn’t Mean Losing Your Identity
Please Don’t Call My Job a Calling
Stop Looking for the Perfect Job
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
The Team
Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.
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