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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Work Won't Love You Back summary
Sarah Jaffe
How Devotion to Our Jobs Keeps Us Exploited, Exhausted, and Alone
24 mins
Brief summary
Work Won't Love You Back by Sarah Jaffe explores the history of the "labor of love" myth and the damage it has caused for workers. She argues for a new way of valuing work that prioritizes workers' needs over profit. A thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the future of work.
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Work Won't Love You Back
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Many modern workers have internalized the labor-of-love work ethic, which is a recent development.
If you’ve spent any time in the modern labor market, you know that employers want their employees to be working for far more than a paycheck these days. They want us to be passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic about our work – going above and beyond for our customers, clients, companies, teams, or causes.
In short, they don’t just want our labor; they expect us to "love" our work, both emotionally and behaviorally.But what does that mean exactly? Well, in an emotional sense, it means you derive pleasure and fulfillment from your work, and place value in it. Behaviorally, it means you show your sense of commitment and devotion by making sacrifices for your job.The key message here is: Many modern workers have internalized the labor-of-love work ethic, which is a recent development.Loving your work is an ideal that's become a work ethic. It's a set of norms by which we understand and relate to our work, which the author calls the labor-of-love ethic.
As a set of norms, it's something we, as employees, are pressured to live up to, but also something many of us believe in. We want to love our work, and think of a "good job" as one that's enjoyable, meaningful, and fulfilling.But this wasn't always the case. In the early-to-mid-twentieth century, a "good job" in the US was one that provided enough free time, resources, and stability, which many were able to have. Unsurprisingly, many of these workers belonged to unions, which allowed them to organize strikes, and exercise their collective bargaining power to win concessions from their employers.
One of these triumphs was the Fordist compromise, named after the Henry Ford Motor Company. In what was effectively a truce between the two sides, the work day was reduced from 12 hours to eight, including the right to work-free weekends, and a wage high enough to support a family by a single-income earner, characterized this deal.
But, like many truces, it was an uneasy one which wouldn't last long.
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What is Work Won't Love You Back about?
Work Won’t Love You Back (2021) turns the conventional wisdom about a “good job” on its head. Drawing on extensive research, interviews, and reporting, it traces the historical origins and contemporary implications of all the ideas and rhetoric about “doing what you love.” The result is both a disturbing picture of the modern workplace and a rousing battle cry to fight for a better future.
Work Won't Love You Back Review
Work Won't Love You Back (2021) reveals the harsh realities of labor in our society and why everyone should take notice. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It exposes the myth of fulfillment at work, revealing how many jobs exploit our passion and dedication instead of rewarding them.
- Through eye-opening case studies and historical analysis, the book uncovers the hidden inequalities and injustices that perpetuate in the workplace.
- The author's engaging storytelling and sharp observations keep readers captivated, making it impossible to put down this thought-provoking exploration of labor and love.
Who should read Work Won't Love You Back?
- High-wage workers feeling overworked
- Low-wage workers feeling underpaid
- Anyone who has heard the phrase “Do what you love” too many times
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Work Won't Love You Back FAQs
What is the main message of Work Won't Love You Back?
Work Won't Love You Back exposes the myth that work is fulfilling and shows the exploitative nature of labor in our society.
How long does it take to read Work Won't Love You Back?
The reading time for Work Won't Love You Back varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Work Won't Love You Back a good book? Is it worth reading?
Work Won't Love You Back is a thought-provoking read that challenges our perception of work. It offers valuable insights into the exploitative nature of labor and is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Work Won't Love You Back?
Sarah Jaffe is the author of Work Won't Love You Back.
What to read after Work Won't Love You Back?
If you're wondering what to read next after Work Won't Love You Back, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff
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- To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke
- Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
- Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
- The Cost of Quiet by Colette Jane Fehr
- A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot
- Quit by Annie Duke
- Beyond Belief by Nir Eyal