Simone Stolzoff, a designer and workplace expert, talks about the importance of having a good enough job instead of constantly pursuing the dream job. He discusses why passion shouldn't replace pay or security, and offers insights on balancing the pursuit of meaningful work with other areas of life.
Valuing sufficiency in a job rather than perfection can lead to more fulfillment and happiness.
Maintaining boundaries between personal life and work life is essential for a sense of belonging and mental well-being.
Embracing a flexible and adaptable approach to work structures prioritizes employee well-being and supports a fulfilling life.
Deep dives
The Importance of Redefining Work-Life Balance
The podcast episode explores the balance between happiness and ambition and challenges the idea of defining oneself by their work. The guest, Simone Stalzoff, argues for diversifying sources of meaning and identity beyond the dream job. He suggests that valuing sufficiency in a job rather than perfection can lead to more fulfillment and happiness. The episode emphasizes the need to prioritize one's vision of a well-lived life and how work can support that vision. It also discusses the dangers of overvaluing work and the potential negative effects on mental health and fulfillment.
Reevaluating the Connection Between Work and Identity
The podcast delves into the misconception of work as one's family and the need to differentiate between personal life and work life. It highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and not solely relying on work for a sense of belonging or community. The discussion emphasizes the need for employers to create structures and policies that protect employees from burnout and prioritize their mental and physical well-being. The episode also addresses the benefits and challenges of remote work and advocates for companies to adapt to the changing landscape of work arrangements.
Embracing a New Approach to Work
The podcast explores various workplace issues, including the four-day work week and the rise of remote work. It presents a nuanced view, recognizing the positive aspects of remote work while acknowledging the potential drawbacks, such as the loss of in-person collaboration and mentorship opportunities. The episode highlights the importance of reevaluating traditional work structures and embracing a more flexible and adaptable approach that prioritizes employee well-being and supports their overall vision of a fulfilling life. It advocates for organizations to invest in their employees' diverse sources of meaning and identity, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
Creating Space for Rest and Recharge
One key to expanding our identities outside of work is to carve out dedicated time in our days and weeks where working is not an option. This allows us to recharge and be present in other areas of our lives. Engaging in activities like exercise, yoga, or hobbies that require our full attention can provide a structured break from work and foster personal growth.
Choosing How to Fill Our Time
To expand our identities, it is important to choose how we spend our time outside of work. Investing time in relationships, pursuing personal interests, engaging with our communities, and exploring new hobbies can help us develop a well-rounded sense of self. Rather than focusing on monetizing or mastering every interest, starting small and finding inherent joy in activities can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Balancing happiness and ambition is a challenge, especially if you often define yourself by your work. Stolzoff covers why it’s good to have a job that’s simply good enough.
Simone Stolzoff is the author of The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work. He is a designer and workplace expert from San Francisco, and a former design lead at the global innovation firm IDEO. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and many other publications. He is a graduate of Stanford and The University of Pennsylvania.
In this episode we talk about:
His argument for diversifying our sources for what makes a meaningful life
How passion for your job shouldn’t be a stand-in for pay or security
And how to balance the pursuit of meaningful work without letting it take over your life