In this engaging conversation, Matt Yao, an explorer of writing and coaching, interviews Paul Millerd about his transformative book, Good Work. They dive into the shifting nature of work, urging listeners to prioritize meaning over traditional roles. They reflect on financial independence and the joys of self-employment, along with the pivotal role of creativity in everyday tasks. The duo also shares insights on sabbaticals and the balance between career and parenting, encouraging a spirit of experimentation in both personal and professional lives.
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insights INSIGHT
Redefining Work
Most people lack a real definition of work, viewing it superficially as something they have to do or get paid for.
Paul Millerd suggests a deeper definition: work is anything worth doing, encompassing unpaid yet valuable activities.
insights INSIGHT
Limitations of "Ikigai"
The "ikigai" framework, while well-intentioned, can limit one's perspective on work.
It often confines individuals to traditional employment or narrow entrepreneurial paths, hindering broader exploration.
insights INSIGHT
The Changing Nature of Work
Work is constantly evolving, influenced by technological advancements like the internet and AI.
The traditional "industrial era script" of stable jobs and predictable careers is becoming less relevant in this changing landscape.
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The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd chronicles his journey from being a high-achieving consultant to embarking on a path of self-discovery and creating a life based on personal values and freedom. The book explores the history of work, the concept of the 'default path' versus the 'pathless path,' and offers practical advice on how to navigate uncertainty, redefine success, and find meaning in one's life. Millerd shares his experiences of living in different countries, facing existential crises, and developing principles that guide him towards a more fulfilling life. The book is an invitation to readers to question their current path and consider a more unconventional, yet meaningful, way of living.
Good Work
Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition
Paul Millerd
In 'Good Work,' Paul Millerd shares his personal journey through candid storytelling, exploring what constitutes 'good work' beyond traditional job definitions. The book delves into questions about embracing uncertainty, finding motivation beyond 'losing your edge,' prioritizing family without sacrificing opportunity, and defining the most ambitious life path. It challenges readers to rethink their relationship with work and seek a life where work is a portal to feeling fully alive, rather than just a necessity.
This was a fun episode. A friend, Matt Yao, reached out to see if he could interview me about my recent book, Good Work.
We first connected when he called me in the summer of 2022. He was in the middle of my book and knew he needed to quit his job.
Over the last few years, he's been on a transformational journey, experimenting with writing, coaching, and several other side quests.
The Pathless Path with Paul Millerd 
