The idea that work was supposed to give us happiness and a sense of meaning actually comes from Marx. This was a new concept at the time. It arose as a reaction against capitalism, which is kind of ironic given the fact that it is now very much woven into the capitalist narrative.
I do believe we spend far too much time trying to solve problems in ourselves when it’s really more about accepting ourselves and learning how to work with what we’ve got.
Totally. While there are more and more guides about 'solving a problem in X steps', it's important to remember that the real issue often lies not in the problem itself but in how we perceive it.
I keep flip flopping on these types of problems. I sometimes feel this is the problem that better represents millenials, specially the elderly ones ✌️. But sometimes I feel like is a problem of the whole population.
All of these points make perfect sense and I have felt them myself. It's a cosy read for someone who woke up in the middle of the night for no reason
I really love and relate to this, Benjamin! Thanks for sharing such an insightful piece of writing. Another millennial over here who needed to hear these words. 🙋🏼♀️
Thanks for sharing this, Benjamin! I really resonated with your thoughts on work and purpose.
As a Gen Z just starting my career, I've wrestled with this idea, especially during medical school when I balanced my studies with a marketing job. The contrast of returning from an 8-hour liver transplant to deciding on a button's placement on a website was wild! Being let go from that role reminded me how replaceable I was, but it also solidified my commitment to medicine. It will always provide me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But should I not think like that? 👀
Hey thanks for commenting I really appreciate it. It sounds like you’re on a good path with medicine there’s a lot to scope to explore with that profession
Schopenhauer was right of course. Thanks to his dad's work. Leisure is fantastic as I felt all my life and as I love right now being retired. And I tried to get as much of it as possible. Means I tried to find jobs that didn't devour me but delivered enough money to live a relatively simple life. Only one of them was what you would call fulfilling but even that one didn't take up too many hours of my time. So there was no chance for it to become a burden.
I am no millennial just an old guy. I maybe wrong but it seems to me that all these ideas of perfection in work and relations and whatever didn't play a role with folks of my generation. After the war till end sixties people had other problems. Very different problems. This constant 'pursue of happiness' to me is just nerve racking. Watch American serials and you'll see what I mean.
It's different, ok. But alas only half of what I could or maybe should have written. So please add around 50% if not contradictory but by all means too intimate information to this note. That's what happens when you react too spontaneously to anything. You skip perhaps essential information. But fifty percent isn't bad I reckon. The rest is silence.
I have just read your post and simply loved it so much. I kind of relate to it since I keep constantly asking myself about the purpose of doing what I do. But at the same time these thoughts keep running out of my mind, I am afraid to change. Dilemma.
So far I’ve managed to avoid throwing all of myself at a job: as of right now I have a fairly simple part-time job in sales. I find myself wondering every once in a while if I shouldn’t go look for something that uses my potential better (and gives me more money) - but then I remember how comfortable this one is. I don’t quite adore it, but I don’t hate it, I have lovely colleagues, and I can completely switch off when I finish my shift. I have time to write, meet with friends, live a life.
It’s not perfect - everything has its costs. It’s a matter of being aware of them and continuously asking if I’m still okay with them, I guess.
Thanks a lot Rye. There is a term for what you are describing but I’m forgetting what it’s called now.
It’s the dilemma that a really bad situation is actually better than an ok situation.
The reason being is that the really bad one will give you the incentive to change.
The ok one - like you have a good salary but don’t like the job. Or you like your partner a lot but you’re not in love with them…those kind of like warm situations are harder to change
But I totally get you. If your job is relaxed and give you some free time then you can focus on other things without having to worry about money.
This resonates with me Benjamin, thank you for sharing!
I'm currently working a job I don't really enjoy, purely for the money, and to avoid the hassle of finding something new that I probably won't enjoy much either. It's absurd, but I feel trapped. It seems the only way out is to climb back out of the hole.
I know what you mean. But it’s great that you have this substack which I assume gives you a strong purpose. Often the answer is not to throw in the towel but to change your perspective
Yeah, it's become my main focus creatively and for a sense of purpose. I'm hopeful it will be a catalyst to climb out of the hole, and not just dig me deeper.
"It’s not always about solving problems. Sometimes it’s about living with them." This one struck me.
Spot on
I do believe we spend far too much time trying to solve problems in ourselves when it’s really more about accepting ourselves and learning how to work with what we’ve got.
Totally. While there are more and more guides about 'solving a problem in X steps', it's important to remember that the real issue often lies not in the problem itself but in how we perceive it.
I keep flip flopping on these types of problems. I sometimes feel this is the problem that better represents millenials, specially the elderly ones ✌️. But sometimes I feel like is a problem of the whole population.
All of these points make perfect sense and I have felt them myself. It's a cosy read for someone who woke up in the middle of the night for no reason
🤣🤣. Keith never got off the train. He’s still getting on every day and going to work
I love the poetry of "Keith never got off the train"
Yeah Keith is a warning to us all.
Haha. Glad to have entertained during sleepless hours. And I’m happy I’m not the only one. I appreciate knowing that
But the public wants to know! What ever happened to Keith?!
I really love and relate to this, Benjamin! Thanks for sharing such an insightful piece of writing. Another millennial over here who needed to hear these words. 🙋🏼♀️
Thank you Phoebe. That really means a lot. Glad to be connected here
Very relatable! Follow your interests, that's very solid advice. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for reading Wouter. I stand by it. It seems to simple but our interests change over time which really does complicate things
They do, yes. Or evolve, I don't know (yet)
Thanks for sharing this, Benjamin! I really resonated with your thoughts on work and purpose.
As a Gen Z just starting my career, I've wrestled with this idea, especially during medical school when I balanced my studies with a marketing job. The contrast of returning from an 8-hour liver transplant to deciding on a button's placement on a website was wild! Being let go from that role reminded me how replaceable I was, but it also solidified my commitment to medicine. It will always provide me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But should I not think like that? 👀
Hey thanks for commenting I really appreciate it. It sounds like you’re on a good path with medicine there’s a lot to scope to explore with that profession
Schopenhauer was right of course. Thanks to his dad's work. Leisure is fantastic as I felt all my life and as I love right now being retired. And I tried to get as much of it as possible. Means I tried to find jobs that didn't devour me but delivered enough money to live a relatively simple life. Only one of them was what you would call fulfilling but even that one didn't take up too many hours of my time. So there was no chance for it to become a burden.
I am no millennial just an old guy. I maybe wrong but it seems to me that all these ideas of perfection in work and relations and whatever didn't play a role with folks of my generation. After the war till end sixties people had other problems. Very different problems. This constant 'pursue of happiness' to me is just nerve racking. Watch American serials and you'll see what I mean.
Thank Rainer. It’s really good to hear a different perspective
It's different, ok. But alas only half of what I could or maybe should have written. So please add around 50% if not contradictory but by all means too intimate information to this note. That's what happens when you react too spontaneously to anything. You skip perhaps essential information. But fifty percent isn't bad I reckon. The rest is silence.
So beautiful to know that another millennial (me) feels the same way.
I wrote this sometime back and our premise is pretty similar, think you might enjoy it Benjamin!
https://open.substack.com/pub/mastersoffate/p/purpose-circus?r=1rtgzq&utm_medium=ios
Wow. Thanks Ishita. That is great to know I’m not alone. Thanks a lot. I’ll check yours out
I have just read your post and simply loved it so much. I kind of relate to it since I keep constantly asking myself about the purpose of doing what I do. But at the same time these thoughts keep running out of my mind, I am afraid to change. Dilemma.
Thank you for your comment. That means a lot. I think it is more common than most of us think. I’m going to share your comment. I hope that’s ok
Great post! It resonated a lot with me.
So far I’ve managed to avoid throwing all of myself at a job: as of right now I have a fairly simple part-time job in sales. I find myself wondering every once in a while if I shouldn’t go look for something that uses my potential better (and gives me more money) - but then I remember how comfortable this one is. I don’t quite adore it, but I don’t hate it, I have lovely colleagues, and I can completely switch off when I finish my shift. I have time to write, meet with friends, live a life.
It’s not perfect - everything has its costs. It’s a matter of being aware of them and continuously asking if I’m still okay with them, I guess.
Thanks a lot Rye. There is a term for what you are describing but I’m forgetting what it’s called now.
It’s the dilemma that a really bad situation is actually better than an ok situation.
The reason being is that the really bad one will give you the incentive to change.
The ok one - like you have a good salary but don’t like the job. Or you like your partner a lot but you’re not in love with them…those kind of like warm situations are harder to change
But I totally get you. If your job is relaxed and give you some free time then you can focus on other things without having to worry about money.
Yep, that sums it up pretty well! Whenever you remember that term, if you do, write it here—I’d be curious to know it!
I did a quick search. It’s the “threshold effect”…the idea that people need to reach a certain threshold of discomfort before making a change
This resonates with me Benjamin, thank you for sharing!
I'm currently working a job I don't really enjoy, purely for the money, and to avoid the hassle of finding something new that I probably won't enjoy much either. It's absurd, but I feel trapped. It seems the only way out is to climb back out of the hole.
I know what you mean. But it’s great that you have this substack which I assume gives you a strong purpose. Often the answer is not to throw in the towel but to change your perspective
Yeah, it's become my main focus creatively and for a sense of purpose. I'm hopeful it will be a catalyst to climb out of the hole, and not just dig me deeper.