"The Good Enough Job" by
Simone Stolzoff
is a book that examines the changing landscape of work and argues that pursuing a "good enough" job can lead to greater fulfillment and happiness in life. Stolzoff draws on personal anecdotes, research studies, and interviews with workers to support his argument.
Here are some of the main topics covered in the book:
- The changing nature of work: Stolzoff explores how traditional career paths are becoming less common and how people are increasingly seeking non-traditional work arrangements, such as freelancing and remote work.
- The pursuit of perfection: The author argues that our culture places too much emphasis on finding the perfect job and achieving professional success, which can lead to stress and burnout.
- The benefits of a "good enough" job: Stolzoff explains how pursuing a job that meets our basic needs and allows us to pursue our passions outside of work can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.
- The importance of self-awareness: The author emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in finding a "good enough" job, as it requires understanding our values, priorities, and goals.
- Overcoming societal expectations: Stolzoff explores how societal expectations and pressures can influence our career choices and how to overcome them to pursue a job that aligns with our personal values and goals.
Here are some actionable items suggested by the book:
- Take time to reflect on your values and priorities to better understand what you want out of a job.
- Consider non-traditional work arrangements, such as freelancing or remote work, if they align with your goals and priorities.
- Let go of the pressure to find the perfect job and focus on finding a job that meets your basic needs and allows you to pursue your passions outside of work.
- Be willing to make trade-offs in your career, such as taking a lower-paying job that aligns with your values or moving to a different location for better work-life balance.
- Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages you to pursue a "good enough" job that aligns with your personal goals and values.
Here are some reviews and critics about "The Good Enough Job" by Simone Stolzoff:
- "Superb work... the real-life stories recounted here fill the reader with the?liberating sense?that we absolutely could put work back in its place – and that the result would be both?richer lives and more effective work."?- Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale Professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast
- “Simone Stolzoff provides an?important corrective to the modern impulse to either villainize or lionize our jobs, arguing that it’s okay for our work to be just one element among many that contribute to?a life well-lived.” - Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work
Overall, "The Good Enough Job" has received positive reviews for its engaging writing style and practical advice. However, some critics have noted the book's focus on individualism and suggested that broader societal factors should also be considered when thinking about career choices.