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 spiraling 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 artifacts like film and literature, and inspiring stories to help us clarify what worthy work looks like, what tradeoffs are acceptable to pursue it, and what our work can contribute to society. 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.
