Intro: Don't Work
Intro: Don't Work
Now that the first series, Work in Progress, is complete… What's coming next? Plus, an ask and bonus recommendations inside.
Series: Don’t Work | Part: Introduction | Reading Time: 2 mins
If you’ve enjoyed The Way of Work, you can support the project by commenting, hitting the ♡ or 🔄 below and/or sharing it with a friend.
I. What’s Next
My first series, a Work in Progress, is in the books, covering my lessons learned from a 12-year journey from startup to public company.
If you missed it, the best place to start is the 10-takeaway summary or from the beginning or the most popular essay of the series.
It was meant to be a build up, for the tear down that’s coming next.
One year ago, I took some time off from work. The original plan was a “3 month sabbatical” before I started a new business. I had a number of ideas and plans cooked up. And if those didn’t work out, there were offers to join another startup or growing company.
Well, 3 months turned into 12 months.
And what started as a temporary transition, became a permanent shift in how I think about work.
Fittingly, the title of my next series is: Don’t Work.
What happens when you don’t work?
When your primary identity, centered around work, disappears?
Who are we if we don’t work?
What remains? And what is rediscovered in its place?
The series will cover questions of identity, culture, and meaning.
My hope is that my story can help others contending with their place in the world of work. I hope you enjoy it.
II. Quick Survey (help me out here!)
As I prepare for the next series, I’d like to learn more about what readers enjoy and value.
Please do me a favor and take this 1 minute anonymous survey.
It’s only got 3 quick questions + an opportunity to add any feedback or comments. That’s it.
III. Writer Recommendations
Along the way, I’ve discovered a number of great writers/thinkers that have helped me think more deeply about work. If you like my writing, you might also like…
1. RadReads, by Khe Hy
Best if you are a successful, mid-career professional looking for more from life.
Start here: Are you a Post-Achievement Professional?
2. Pathless, by
If you feel like society has put you into a box, that you are desperate to get out of.
Start here: The Ultimate Guide & Reasons To Take A Sabbatical
3. Inside-Out Leadership Development, by
Best if you want to be a great leader AND also have a more complete life, at the same time.
Start here: The Midlife Reorientation - a User's Guide
4. Where the Road Bends, by
Best if you are going through a transition or need to slow down.
Start here: Rethinking Ambition
5. Derek Thompson, at The Atlantic
Best if you have big macro questions about the future of work.
Start here: Workism Is Making Americans Miserable
6. Moontower, by
Best if you like an unorthodox cocktail of finance + thought-provoking life advice.
Start here: Ambition as an anxiety disorder
7. The Elysian, by
If you want your mind blown, thinking through potential futures.
Start here: A day in the life of my post-AI world
8. Work Chronicles (Comic)
Dilbert for the modern era. Near 100% hit rate on making me laugh. And sometimes hits too close to home...
Start here: Toxic culture fit
That’s all I’ve got for you this week. Continue on:
If you’ve enjoyed The Way of Work, you can support the project by commenting, hitting the ♡ or 🔄 below and/or sharing it with a friend.
See you next time,
Rick