Why your professional devotion might be keeping you exhausted, exploited, and entirely alone
In short: We are often told to love our work, but author Sarah Jaffe argues this emotional investment is a trap. By shifting our focus from corporate loyalty to collective community, we can address the hidden grief caused by modern crises and find more meaningful ways to show up for one another.
In her book Work Won’t Love You Back, Sarah Jaffe examines the damaging consequences of modern work culture. She contends that the expectation for employees to be deeply devoted to their jobs leaves them feeling exploited, exhausted, and isolated. This dynamic is not merely a professional hurdle but a systemic issue that prioritizes corporate interests over the well-being of the individual, ultimately failing to provide the fulfillment or security that such intense dedication promises.
Beyond the workplace, Jaffe explores the pervasive sense of grief stemming from global challenges, including climate change, economic inequality, and the impact of recent pandemics. She introduces the concept of disenfranchised grief—a form of mourning that often goes unacknowledged by society. Because these collective traumas are rarely processed in a communal setting, they contribute to a profound sense of alienation that many people feel in their daily lives.
The solution, according to Jaffe, lies in moving away from individualistic pursuits and toward collective mourning and community building. By acknowledging shared struggles, individuals can foster deeper social connections and find solidarity. This shift in perspective encourages us to look beyond our professional identities and recognize the importance of showing up for one another in ways that are not mediated by our employment status or productivity.
This discussion is part of the broader mission of the podcast How to Be a Better Human, hosted by Chris Duffy. The show aims to move past typical self-improvement tropes by exploring how we can improve ourselves and our relationships from our work to our homes. By engaging with diverse voices, the podcast seeks to provide actionable insights that help listeners navigate the complexities of modern life with greater empathy and awareness.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why Work Won’t Love You Back (and That’s OK) (w/ Sarah Jaffe) | How to Be a Better Human | TED
- Also: How To Be A Better Human
- Also: TED launches “How to Be a Better Human,” a new original podcast hosted by Chris Duffy | TED Blog
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