Finding a 'good enough job' can help individuals maintain their sense of identity and meaning outside of work, breaking free from the pressure of achievement culture.
Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial in developing a 'good enough job' mindset, and leaders play a vital role in modeling work-life balance and setting expectations for employees.
Deep dives
The concept of a 'good enough job'
Simone Stolesoff, author of 'The Good Enough Job', discusses the concept of a 'good enough job' as a way to break free from achievement culture and separate ourselves from our professions. He argues that work should not be the sole source of identity and meaning in our lives. By taking a good enough approach to work, we can prevent ourselves from losing our sense of self when faced with professional successes and failures.
The role of technology and social media
Stolesoff highlights how technology, particularly social media, has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. Social media platforms like LinkedIn allow us to parade our professional accomplishments, adding to the pressure of comparing ourselves to others. The constant connectivity enabled by technology also makes it challenging to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time.
Cultivating a good enough job
Stolesoff suggests that carving out space for activities outside of work is crucial in developing a good enough job mindset. Actively participating in non-work-related leisure activities and investing in relationships and communities beyond the workplace can create a more well-rounded and fulfilling life. Stolesoff also emphasizes the role of leaders and managers in modeling work-life balance and setting clear expectations for employees regarding work hours and communication norms.
One of the first things we learn about people is what they do for a living. But the link between work and identify has moved far beyond that, especially in certain industries, geographies, and cultures. Many of us put everything we have into our jobs, expecting our careers to fulfill us. Author Simone Stolzoff argues for a different approach. He wants us to find work that keeps us engaged and gives us the security we need, while still allowing us to define ourselves in other ways. Drawing on research and real-life stories, he explains what it means to have a "good enough" job, and why this shift in thinking could be good not just for individuals but also for teams and organizations. Stolzoff is the author of The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work.
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