Is Your Work Worth It? summary

On September 11, 2001, a transformative moment occurred for two management consultants in New York. One was navigating jammed phone lines trying to reach his family while on his way to a client in Washington, DC. The other was catching up on sleep after returning home at 3 AM. The attack on the World Trade Center, and the death of so many people at work, forced both of them to reevaluate their own careers.  

Ever since that day, Jennifer Tosti-Kharas and Christopher Wong Michaelson have been exploring a fundamental question: Why do we work? Is it merely for a paycheck, or is there a deeper purpose? This inquiry gained significance amid the events of 9/11, where individuals from various walks of life – the affluent and the struggling alike – were united in tragedy. The spectrum of victims ranged from busboys to bond traders, and firefighters to photographers, prompting the question of whether their work was worth the ultimate sacrifice.

The New York Times’ “Portraits of Grief” series provides a lens into the lives and legacies of these individuals. These vignettes, crafted from interviews with loved ones, reveal the diverse ways people engage with their work – as a calling, a career, or a job. Each story reflects a unique relationship with work and its role in a fulfilling life.

Take Christopher J. Blackwell, a seasoned fireman and a third-generation New York first responder. His life and work were driven by a clear purpose, making his professional dedication akin to a calling. In contrast, Yelena “Helen” Belilovsky took pride in her career advancements, reflecting a journey of overcoming challenges and achieving security through her roles. Meanwhile, Darren Bohan, who worked as a temp, saw his job as a means to support his true passion for music, highlighting work as a pathway to personal aspirations.

These narratives challenge the conventional metrics of work success and prompt a broader reflection on how work is valued. Interestingly, when people categorize their work as a job, career, or calling, the distribution is even, cutting across all levels of occupations and titles. This indicates a personal definition of work’s value, independent of societal labels or expectations.

The insights from the “Portraits of Grief” reveal that, in retrospect, the victims’ work often represented more than just economic activity – it was an integral part of their identities and legacies. Yet, it was consistently clear that other aspects of life – family, hobbies, personal passions – held greater significance than career achievements alone.

In a world often defined by ambition and status, the findings suggest that our societal focus on career progression may contribute little to our ultimate legacies. Instead, what remains are the meaningful engagements and passions that truly enrich our lives and those of others. The remembrance of 9/11 serves as a poignant reminder: strive to do work that not only fulfills but dignifies, each day, as if it were your last. This definition of work encourages us to seek roles that resonate, ensuring our professional endeavors are not just about climbing ladders but about creating value that endures beyond our tenure.