About the Book
A critical examination of the complex and revealing questions we must ask ourselves about our work and the value it brings to ourselves and others.According to recent studies, barely a third of American workers, and even fewer globally, feel "engaged" at work, and nearly half are "unhappy" doing what they do for a living. In the post-pandemic era with its turbulent job markets and spiralling economic landscape, many workers find themselves wondering: is my work worth it?In Is Your Work Worth It?, a prominent philosopher and an organizational psychologist investigate the purpose of work and its value in our lives. The book asks vital questions, such as: - When and how much should we work?- Should I work for love or money?- What would make life worth living in a world without work?- What kind of mark will my work leave on the world?This essential book combines scholarship, cultural artefacts like film and literature, and inspiring stories to help us clarify what worthy work looks like, what trade-offs are acceptable to pursue it, and what our work can contribute to society.
About the Author :
Christopher Michaelson and Jennifer Tosti-Kharas worked at the New York offices of large management consulting firms before 9/11 led them to rethink how they spent their time. Michaelson became a professor of philosophy, teaching business ethics at NYU/Stern and Wharton before getting tenure at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis. Today, he speaks to thousands of employees of large organizations, including PepsiCo, PwC, the IMF, and the IRS, about work and ethics. He is the creator and host of the popular podcast, "Work in Progress with Christopher Michaelson." Tosti-Kharas earned her Ph.D. in Management from NYU Stern and has been on the faculty of San Francisco State University and Babson College, where she is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior. Her research on meaningful work, calling, and careers has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and recognized with "Best Paper" awards by academic journals and the Academy of Management. She lives with her family outside Boston, Massachusetts.
Review :
"An exploration of work that will speak to your head, heart, and soul. As touching as it is essential."--Dolly Chugh, Author of The Person You Mean to Be and A More Just Future, NYU Stern Professor
"Michaelson and Tosti-Kharas have masterfully tackled the crucial question of finding purpose and meaning through work. In a world where the nature of work is evolving rapidly, this book provides essential insights from both personal experiences and academic expertise. A valuable compass for anyone seeking purpose in their professional journey."--Hubert Joly, former CEO of Best Buy, senior lecturer Harvard Business School, and author of The Heart of Business
"A thoughtful, thought-provoking read on what makes our jobs significant. This book won't give you all the answers, but it will help you ask the right questions."--Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast WorkLife
"In the tradition of Studs Terkel's Working, this profound and engaging book tells workers' stories, peppered with philosophical insights, to explore what makes work worthy. It challenges us to reflect on what we do for a living, why we do it, and how our self-worth stacks up against our net worth."--Joanne B. Ciulla, Professor and Director of the Institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers University, and author of The Working Life
"The first question you hear when you meet someone is often "what do you do for a living?" But people rarely follow that with "why?" This book digs into this critical idea, using interesting and compelling anecdotes to contemplate what it means to do purposeful work. It challenges us not with answers but with questions we rarely take the time to consider. Why do we work? What purpose does the work you do serve? What role can your work play in creating the world you wish to see?"--Shannon Schuyler, PwC Chief Purpose & Inclusion Officer
"This rich and engaging book shares the wisdom of diverse thinkers, from Aristotle to Dolly Parton, and guides the reader through a series of profound questions about the meaning and value of work. Instead of providing one-size-fits all answers, it presents stories of real people and their work, told with compassion and insight. Highly recommended!"--Valerie Tiberius, Paul W. Frenzel Chair in Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota, and author of What Do You Want Out of Life?
"Whether you're at the beginning, middle or nearing the end of your career, this book will help you navigate important questions about balance, purpose, and legacy. Michaelson and Tosti- Kharas masterfully weave personal narratives, philosophy and science together to produce an invaluable guide to making more informed career choices."--Katy Milkman, James G. Dinan Professor at the Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania, and author of How to Change
"Wise, intelligent, provocative, and ambitious. A worthy read, in which the authors ask us to explore and consider what our own work means and what role it plays in our lives. A beautiful book."--Amy C Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School, and author of Right Kind of Wrong
