Deep Questions with Cal Newport Ep. 249: The Good Enough Job (w/ Simone Stolzoff)
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May 22, 2023 
Simone Stolzoff, author of "The Good Enough Job," shares insights on reclaiming life from work and finding balance in today’s demanding job landscape. He challenges listeners to question their work identity and emphasizes the need to separate self-worth from careers. The conversation also touches on the importance of meaningful work and the perils of toxic work environments. Additionally, they delve into Apple’s mixed-reality headset, exploring how tech innovations might reshape our interaction with the world, all while keeping mental well-being at the forefront.
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Work and Identity
- Simone Stolzoff realized that career decisions felt existentially important, but are reversible.
- This led him to question the cultural overemphasis on work as central to identity.
American Workism
- American workism, where work is a primary source of meaning, benefits employers but can be detrimental to individuals.
- It originates from historical, cultural, and economic factors.
Pandemic's Impact on Work
- The pandemic forced many to confront the abstract nature of their knowledge work, leading to existential questions about self-worth.
- This 'existential slap in the face' prompted reevaluation of work's role in life.
