Author Simone Stolzoff discusses the obsession with jobs and the disappointment and burnout that often follow. They explore American perspectives on work, the risks of a work-centric existence, and the importance of balancing work with other aspects of life. The chapter also emphasizes the value of diversifying one's identity and pursuing interests and hobbies outside of work.
Work should not be the sole source of fulfillment and meaning in life.
A 'good enough job' aligns with personal values, pays well, and allows for work-life integration.
Investing in a well-rounded identity with diverse interests outside of work leads to resilience and creativity.
Deep dives
The Impact of Work on Identity
The podcast explores how work can become a central part of our identity and the potential challenges and limitations that come with it. It emphasizes the importance of not solely relying on work for fulfillment and meaning in life.
The Need for Work-Life Balance
The podcast highlights the importance of work-life balance and the potential dangers of over-identifying with work. It discusses the need to prioritize other aspects of life, cultivate hobbies, and develop a sense of identity beyond the professional realm.
Striving for a Good Enough Job
The podcast shares stories, including that of Josh, who have found fulfillment and balance by redefining their relationship with work. It suggests that a 'good enough job' is one that aligns with personal values, pays well, and allows for a healthy work-life integration.
Valuing sufficiency over perfection in work and parenting
The podcast discusses the concept of valuing sufficiency over perfection in both work and parenting. It draws a parallel between the growing idolization of parenting and the pressure to pursue dream jobs and perfect careers. The speaker introduces the idea proposed by Donald Winnicott, a British pediatrician, who suggested that valuing sufficiency in parenting would benefit both the child and the parent. Similarly, valuing a 'good enough' job allows individuals to prioritize their personal lives and find fulfillment outside of work. It emphasizes the importance of defining one's own version of a 'good enough' job based on personal needs and goals.
Diversifying identities for resilience and creativity
The podcast highlights the value of diversifying identities and interests outside of work. It argues that solely identifying with one's job can lead to a lack of resilience in the face of adversity and hinder creativity. By investing in different aspects of one's identity, individuals become more well-rounded and better equipped to handle challenges. The podcast mentions research showing that individuals with greater interests and hobbies outside of work tend to be more resilient and innovative problem solvers. It encourages listeners to start small and find pockets of time to invest in other identities, allowing for personal growth and a balanced approach to life.
Is the “Dream Job” dead? With Pew Research reporting that Americans are 2x more likely to name their career than their spouse when asked what gives their lives meaning, it makes the case that, at the very least, we should reevaluate just how much space we let work take up in our lives. In this episode, Tori sits down with Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work, to talk about our infatuation with our jobs and how this obsession often ultimately leads to disappointment and burnout.
