Thank you for this framework - I took an hour to write reflections across these 5 categories of work. I was surprised that that learning and apprenticeship are major elements of what I'd look for in a "would do for free / would pay to do" category, which is a VERY useful insight as I transition to portfolio living
The final paragraph on the "cost" of work resonated deeply.
I'm an anesthesiologist who recently started working very part-time to spend more time with my young son. I've definitely taken a financial hit, but more importantly, the flexibility to spend days on end with my son are priceless.
Thank you for broadening the costs of work. It's not just the money. We all find meaning in different ways and this framework allows each of us to pursue the work that resonates.
In the US, we derive too much of our identity and status from our paid work. That becomes all the more noticeable when you willing choose to make your work identity a much smaller piece of your life.
It's hard to have that type of mindfulness and ability to stop. The financial hit is clear, but the benefit of spending time with your son is a bit fuzzier (then taking time away to figure out your life is even fuzzier than that!).
Thanks, Rick. I’ve been slowly working my way through your Don’t Work series. It’s brilliant and I’ve found inspiration and courage from your journey. I appreciate you sharing.
Thank you for this framework - I took an hour to write reflections across these 5 categories of work. I was surprised that that learning and apprenticeship are major elements of what I'd look for in a "would do for free / would pay to do" category, which is a VERY useful insight as I transition to portfolio living
Excellent - glad the framework was so helpful.
Curious what you had in the "pay not to do" or "pay a lot to do" buckets... 😅
The final paragraph on the "cost" of work resonated deeply.
I'm an anesthesiologist who recently started working very part-time to spend more time with my young son. I've definitely taken a financial hit, but more importantly, the flexibility to spend days on end with my son are priceless.
Thank you for broadening the costs of work. It's not just the money. We all find meaning in different ways and this framework allows each of us to pursue the work that resonates.
In the US, we derive too much of our identity and status from our paid work. That becomes all the more noticeable when you willing choose to make your work identity a much smaller piece of your life.
Hey Cobin, you're right on.
It's hard to have that type of mindfulness and ability to stop. The financial hit is clear, but the benefit of spending time with your son is a bit fuzzier (then taking time away to figure out your life is even fuzzier than that!).
If you haven't already, I think you might be a fan of my Don't Work series: https://newsletter.thewayofwork.com/i/149175100/series-02-dont-work
Thanks, Rick. I’ve been slowly working my way through your Don’t Work series. It’s brilliant and I’ve found inspiration and courage from your journey. I appreciate you sharing.
Thanks Cobin. Glad it's resonating.
Love this Rick! The 5 levels of work, from intolerable to worth paying to do . Very helpful
Thanks Ed. Not surprised it resonated with you!
Very interesting article (and loved the length). I could really relate to your examples and it made me want to try volunteering more.
Im also excited to read your novel.
Thanks Eren for your support (and with all my best writing energies going into books, I'll have to keep my posts < 5 mins... for you, of course 😉)