Journalist Sarah Jaffe discusses the myth of finding fulfillment in work, challenging societal pressures to derive happiness solely from jobs. The conversation explores the historical evolution of work expectations, the impact of the pandemic on work narratives, and the importance of systemic change over individual fulfillment.
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Quick takeaways
The importance of workers joining unions to address workplace issues and shift power dynamics for societal change.
Valuing care work and advocating for better wages in care-related professions as a reflection of broader societal values.
Deep dives
The Power of Unionizing Jobs and Political Activism
Unionizing jobs is highlighted as a crucial step towards empowering workers and effecting broader societal change. Sarah Jaffe emphasizes the importance of workers joining unions to address issues in their workplace and contribute to shifting power dynamics at a larger scale. By participating in unions and engaging in political activism, individuals can advocate for improved work conditions and influence how societal resources are allocated.
Valuing Care Work and Struggles for Decent Wages
The discussion delves into the significance of valuing care work and the struggles for decent wages in the home care sector. Highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals engaged in care work, Sarah Jaffe emphasizes the political decisions that impact the treatment and compensation of those providing care. By advocating for better wages and conditions in care-related professions, the conversation underscores the broader societal implications of how we value different types of work.
Challenges and Decisions Around Work-Life Balance
The podcast explores the challenges and decisions related to work-life balance, especially in light of the pandemic and shifting work dynamics. Sarah Jaffe discusses how the current work landscape has posed difficulties for individuals reconciling their job responsibilities with personal life demands. The conversation touches on the impact of the pandemic on work environments and the need for reevaluating traditional notions of work-life balance.
Navigating Trauma and Grief in the Workforce
Sarah Jaffe reflects on navigating trauma and grief within the workforce, discussing the emotional toll experienced by individuals in demanding work environments. The episode touches on the psychological effects of work-related stress and trauma, highlighting the need for space and support for individuals dealing with grief. By acknowledging the emotional challenges within the workforce, the conversation sheds light on the importance of addressing mental health and well-being in work environments.
You’ve probably heard this advice before: “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” But missing from that laughably quaint maxim is the promise of a job ever loving you back. The “labor of love” myth sits at the heart of some of our most core beliefs about work. But the expectation that the place cutting our paychecks should be the same place giving our lives meaning isn’t an old one; it’s a pretty new conceit that’s come into focus as the shape of work itself has changed—demanding more of our time and emotional capacity while providing us with less pay and security.
In this episode of Brave New Work, Aaron Dignan and Rodney Evans speak with independent journalist and labor reporter Sarah Jaffe, who traces this history in her most recent book Work Won’t Love You Back: How Devotion to Our Jobs Keeps Us Exploited, Exhausted, and Alone. She shares how perhaps the pandemic has imploded the “labor of love” myth for good.