The Truth About Work and Life Balance | Christopher Michaelson
Nov 11, 2024
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Christopher Michaelson, a professor of ethics and business law and co-author of "Is Your Work Worth It?", delves into the profound question of work's role in life. He explores whether work should be a calling or a burden, and warns that the pursuit of a calling can lead to burnout. Sharing poignant insights, including research from 9/11 victims, he emphasizes redefining success beyond financial achievements and considering how our '90-year-old self' would view our current choices regarding work and life balance.
Work can be categorized into a job, a career, or a calling, each affecting our purpose and satisfaction differently.
Research on 9/11 victims reveals how work can be both a source of identity and a vital yet incidental part of life.
The misconception that having a calling is superior to other work types overlooks the risk of burnout and diverse definitions of success.
Deep dives
The Nature of Work: Three Orientations
Work can be categorized into three orientations: job, career, and calling. A job serves as a means to earn a livelihood, while a career focuses on advancement and progression in one’s professional life. In contrast, a calling is seen as work that is inherently fulfilling, often contributing to society. Understanding these distinctions helps individuals reflect on their reasons for working and how these motivations impact their overall satisfaction and sense of purpose.
The Impact of 9/11 on Work Perspectives
The stories of 9/11 victims provide deep insights into the meanings and values associated with work. Many of the victims were engaged in occupations that, while possibly perceived as ordinary, held significant meaning for their families and communities. The portraits published by journalists highlighted that for many, work represented not just a source of income but also a sense of identity and purpose. The reflections shared by these families reveal the complex relationship between work and life, emphasizing that work can be both vital and incidental to a fulfilling existence.
Redefining Success: Jobs versus Callings
The cultural perception that having a calling is superior to simply having a job or career can be misleading. While a calling provides meaning and satisfaction, it can also lead to unhealthy work-life imbalances, exploitation, and burnout if not approached carefully. Many people might find fulfillment and contentment in their jobs without necessarily seeking a calling, dispelling the notion that one pathway to success is universally superior. It is crucial to recognize the diverse definitions of success and appreciate that each individual's journey can be equally valuable.
The Duality of Work: Essential Yet Underappreciated
The distinction between 'shit jobs' and 'bullshit jobs' highlights the importance and value of work that may be seen as undesirable or low-status but is nonetheless essential. While shit jobs, like manual labor or essential services, often receive little regard, they represent critical contributions to society. On the other hand, bullshit jobs may be perceived as superfluous, with little overall impact if eliminated. Acknowledging the dignity and necessity of all work, regardless of its perceived status, allows for a broader appreciation of human effort and resilience.
Personal Legacy and Work Stories
Personal narratives about work often shape how individuals define success and legacy within their families. The story of Christopher Michelson's grandfather illustrates that success can be viewed differently depending on generational perspectives and cultural values. While financial achievements may initially seem like a benchmark for success, the true legacy may lie in the values instilled in subsequent generations, such as a strong work ethic and familial support. Ultimately, these stories remind us that the meanings we attach to our work extend beyond individual accomplishment to the broader impact we have on those around us.
This week, we jump into the deep and sometimes challenging question: what role does work play in a meaningful life? Christopher Michaelson, one of the co-authors of Is Your Work Worth It? joins us to explore the philosophical and practical aspects of how we view work—as a job, a career, or a calling—and the impacts each perspective can have on our sense of purpose and fulfillment. While a calling can give us profound motivation, Christopher warns that it can also lead to burnout and even exploitation.
One of the most poignant moments in our conversation reflects on research from 9/11, which reveals that for two-thirds of the victims, work was not a defining element in their life stories. This insight reminds us of the importance of balancing work with other meaningful aspects of life. Christopher also shares insights from his personal family history and invites us to redefine success beyond professional or financial achievements.
Together, we consider how our “90-year-old self” might view the decisions we make about work and purpose today, and how these choices impact our journey toward a balanced life. Join us as we dig into the importance of examining our relationship to work to ensure it truly aligns with our broader life goals and values.
