From a very young age, our perceptions of work, money, and self-worth begin to intertwine, deeply influenced by the societal narratives that surround us. This complex relationship shapes our professional paths and personal happiness, often leading to stress and a pervasive culture of overworking. Let's delve into the underlying issues and explore how external influences shape our views on money and work.
Housekeeping:
Early Conditioning: The Seeds of Division
Our journey into the world of work starts in grade school, where the simple question of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" introduces us to societal expectations and judgments. Responses that align with middle-class values, like aspiring to be a firefighter, receive positive reinforcement. In contrast, dreams of entering creative fields often meet skepticism and warnings about the risks of becoming a "starving artist." This early feedback loop sets two critical beliefs in stone: your income determines your societal worth, and your job is the key to happiness.
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The Myth of the "Dream Job"
The concept of a "dream job" is both misleading and harmful, especially when presented to children. By idealizing certain careers, we place undue pressure on individuals to find immense satisfaction in their work, leading to guilt and dissatisfaction when reality falls short. The narrative that one must continuously strive for this ideal job fosters feelings of failure and shame when one doesn't feel fulfilled.
Formative Years and Social Stratification
During the pivotal college-prep years (ages 16-18), peer influences and societal expectations intensify. Friendships start to align based on career aspirations, further dividing individuals into groups based on their educational and vocational paths—from those opting for college to those deciding against it, and within the college group, from community colleges to Ivy League institutions. This period intensifies the conditioning, as young adults learn that their vocational choices will categorize and define them within society.
The Workplace: A Battlefield of Ideals
As adults, the workplace becomes a terrain where the pressures of early conditioning are felt acutely. The working class, engrossed in daily labor, inadvertently supports the economic dominance of the elite 1%. Simultaneously, societal norms and corporate agendas push us to work relentlessly, often without questioning the purpose or the fairness of our working conditions. When employees dare to challenge these norms, they face ridicule and ostracism, further perpetuating a cycle of silent compliance and dissatisfaction.
The Solution
Understanding the deep-rooted connection between our work, our worth, and our wealth is crucial in addressing the collective dissatisfaction and confusion prevalent in today's society. By recognizing and challenging the conditioning we've been subjected to, we can begin to reclaim our autonomy and redefine what work and success mean on our own terms. This is not just about individual happiness, but about reshaping societal values for collective well-being and true fulfillment.
What is Gabrielle Up To:
My TEDx is May 1st so that has been the majority of what I’ve been up to! The podcast and this Substack posts are suffering at the moment and I apologize for not being consistent at the moment. This will be back on schedule next month!
I am currently…
Reading It's Not Your Money: How to Live Fully from Divine Abundance by Tosha Silver
Reciting my TEDx Talk and focusing on rest
Having so much fun in our new private community, Anti-Work Revolution.
Xoxo,
Gabrielle, the Anti Work Girlboss™