357. Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work with Jennifer Tosti-Kharas and Christopher Wong Michaelson
May 29, 2024
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Explore meaningful work with authors Jennifer Tosti-Kharas and Christopher Wong Michaelson. They discuss work-life balance, COVID-19 impact on work, traits of work, downsides of a calling, and the concept of fairness in work.
The merging of psychology and philosophy backgrounds can lead to insightful reflections on meaningful work.
The societal pressure to find a career calling may lead to unrealistic expectations and burnout.
Recognition of essential work roles, fair compensation concerns, and evolving dynamics shape the future of work.
Deep dives
Work and Life Balance Discussion
The episode engages in a discussion on the philosophical aspects of work and its role in our lives, centering on the book 'Is Your Work Worth It?' by Christopher Wong-Michelson and Jennifer Tosti-Karis. The guests explore the complexity of work satisfaction, career shifts, burnout, and philosophical reflections on the meaning of work. They delve into the dichotomy between job, career, and calling, emphasizing the personal growth potential that arises from reevaluating one's relationship with work.
Socially Constructed Definition of Work
The podcast delves into the socially constructed nature of work and its broader definitions beyond paid employment. By drawing on personal anecdotes and scholarly insights, the episode highlights the purposeful, effortful, and recognized aspects of work. It challenges conventional views by showcasing examples like caregiving and homemaking as valuable yet often underappreciated forms of work.
Impact of Pandemics on Work and Society
Reflecting on the impacts of pivotal events like September 11th and the COVID-19 pandemic, the episode explores the evolving landscape of work and societal perceptions. It delves into the recognition of essential work roles, fair compensation concerns, and the shifting dynamics of remote work post-pandemic. The discussion underscores the broader implications of societal values, resilience, and redefining meaningful work in the context of global crises.
The Interaction Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Work
Introducing extrinsic rewards in activities initially driven by passion can pose challenges. While traditionally believed that intrinsic motivation diminishes with external rewards, recent research suggests a more nuanced relationship. Individuals can still be deeply passionate about their work while valuing external recognition. For those with strong callings and deep intrinsic motivation, exploitation by employers becomes a concern, where passion may be seen as its own reward, potentially leading to underpayment.
The Conundrum of Finding One's Calling in Work Culture
The societal pressure to identify one's career calling has created unrealistic expectations. While previous eras viewed work as drudgery and emphasized clock-watching, the current narrative idealizes finding a calling. This pressure can be overwhelming for individuals, especially students entering the workforce. Striking a balance between meaningful work, personal passions, and avoiding burnout remains a challenge amidst the cultural emphasis on individual fulfillment through work.
If you’ve ever pondered questions like, "Should I follow my passion or chase after money? How can I strike the right balance between work and life? What legacy will my work leave behind?" then this episode with the insightful duo of Christopher Wong Michaelson and Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, coauthors of the terrific book Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work, will not only challenge your perception of work but also spark an exploration of deep introspection into the role of work in your life.
Listen and Learn:
The story of how Christoper and Jen merged their backgrounds in psychology and philosophy to come together to coauthor Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work
What Christopher and Jen learned about the meaning of work through studying The New York Times Portraits of Grief
What are the lasting effects of COVID-19 and how are they shaping how we work?
What are the traits of work and how does social construction come into play?
Fairness in work
Are there downsides to working in a field that's a “calling” and what toll might that take on a person?
Christopher Wong Michaelson is co-author, with Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, of Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work. He is a philosopher with 25 years of experience advising business leaders pursuing meaning and providing work with a purpose. He is the Opus Distinguished Professor and Academic Director of the Melrose and The Toro Company Center for Principled Leadership at the University of St. Thomas and on the Business and Society faculty at NYU’s Stern School of Business. Christopher lives in Minneapolis with his wife, three kids, and two dogs.
About Jennifer Tosti-Kharas
Jennifer Tosti-Kharas is co-author, with Christopher Wong Michaelson, of Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work. Jen is the Camilla Latino Spinelli Endowed Term Chair and Professor of Management at Babson College. She teaches, researches, and coaches others about what it means to craft a meaningful career, and appreciate the risks and rewards of work as a calling. Jen lives outside Boston with her husband and two kids.
