Workism can have negative consequences, such as neglecting other aspects of life and increasing the risk of burnout and stress.
Investing too much in work as the primary source of purpose and fulfillment can lead to a loss of diverse sources of meaning and a limited sense of self.
Deep dives
The Danger of Workism and Overemphasis on Jobs as Identities
Many people view their jobs as a reflection of their identities and find meaning and purpose in their work. However, this concept of work as a deep part of our identity, known as workism, can have negative consequences. Work-centric existence can cause neglect of other aspects of life, such as relationships, health, and hobbies. It can also increase the risk of burnout and stress. The idea of finding the perfect job as a means of self-actualization can lead to disappointment and feelings of unfulfillment. It is important to recognize that work is just one part of who we are and to invest in other sources of identity and meaning outside of work.
The Historical Trends and Factors Contributing to Workism
The concept of work as a central part of our identities is relatively recent, spanning just a generation or so. In the past, jobs were often seen as a means to an end and were not heavily tied to personal identity. Factors contributing to the rise of workism include the decline of other sources of meaning, such as organized religion, the United States' individualistic society that valorizes work and idolizes CEOs and businesses, and the political and economic structures that make work essential for healthcare and social status. These trends have reinforced the idea that work should be a primary source of purpose and fulfillment.
The Psychological Costs of Workism and Overwork
Investing too much in work and viewing it as the most meaningful part of life can lead to psychological costs. Work-centric individuals may neglect other aspects of their lives, experience guilt when not working, and struggle with boundaries between work and personal life. The pressure to constantly be productive and achieve professional success can contribute to burnout, stress, and a lack of fulfillment. The pursuit of work as the central identity can also result in a loss of diverse sources of meaning and a limited sense of self. It is important to recognize the physical and emotional consequences of overwork and strive for a more balanced and diversified identity.
Strategies for a Healthier Relationship with Work
To develop a healthier relationship with work, it is important to be intentional about non-work activities and carve out intentional space for rest and leisure. Creating boundaries and structuring non-work time can help prevent overwork and allow for other sources of identity to thrive. It is important to let go of the optimization mindset and value activities for their intrinsic worth, such as play and present moment awareness. Diversifying identities and investing in relationships, hobbies, and community outside of work can also contribute to a more well-rounded and fulfilling life. Defining what work means to you personally and aligning it with your values can help prioritize life over an all-encompassing work-centric existence.
We can put huge amounts of physical and emotional energy into our jobs - even basing our self-worth on our achievements at work and letting ourselves be defined by what we do. So have our careers taken over too much of our lives?
Simone Stolzoff (author of The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work) argues that we should stop hunting for the "perfect" job - that idealized career that will prove to others how smart, industrious or virtuous we are - and instead find an occupation that allows to us live happier and more rounded lives that don't revolve only around work.