The Illusion of 'Meaningful Work'

What is 'work'? What is 'meaning'?

This is a book that will shatter the values instilled in us by words like 'work' and 'meaning'.

It is especially recommended for students before they start their careers. However, I think it can also be a catalyst for self-reflection for those who are currently working and feeling a bit lost.

The Cause of Disliking Books is 90% Misunderstanding author Mr. Okamoto introduced this in his own book as a book that became a turning point in his life, which made me curious enough to read it.

Let's learn together!💪

What is the illusion?

What do you think of the following statements?

If you think, 'Isn't that obvious?' and don't question it at all, this book might be the catalyst for you to re-examine yourself.

The illusions the author refers to are these statements.

The author himself says that what is written in this book might be hard for people over 30 to accept.

In fact, as a person in my 40s, I was reading it while thinking, 'Wow, he's saying whatever he wants.'

But I kept reading while rethinking, 'Maybe my own mind is just becoming rigid.'

Entering the job market while being instilled with anxiety

To everyone currently working, did you have anxiety about job hunting?
To everyone about to start working, do you have anxiety about job hunting?

Where did that anxiety come from?

That is correct.Adults are. Some people may stir up anxiety to make themselves look important. But that anxiety is an illusion.

I personally am the type who doesn't say anything to children. But if you always come home looking tired, they will get anxious, right? In reality, I am tired, though😅

I decided to try to come home looking (or at least pretending to be) energetic. It would be best if work were fun, though.

Don't be swayed by illusory values

Popular university...I want to get in!
Handsome or beautiful marriage partner...I want to get one!
Popular company...I want to join!

Is that really true?

Are you stopping your thinking by saying, 'It must be good because everyone else says so'?

The author says, 'Discard such thoughts and think about whether it is truly valuable to you.'

Choose the people you associate with

This is something said in many books.

The important thing is the 'for me' perspective, which is your own point of view. That is why you 'choose for yourself.'

There is a Q&A collection

There are many 'questions' from people who are already working (20 in total). The author provides direct answers to these questions from their perspective. For example, like this.

Q: I can't relax on my days off.

When we think of days off, we tend to try to create 'time to do nothing' to rest, don't we?

Instead, the author answers that you should find something more fun and create 'time to do it'.

I often finish my notes on my days off, so I feel like I've managed to turn it into 'time to do something' to some extent.

In my case, it's like this. I'd like to increase the number of actions that feel more like actions.
・Writing notes
・Reading books
・Solving problems in a workbook
・Taking a nap *Let's decide that this is okay because I've decided to 'do' it 😉

Q: I have no interests other than work.

This answer was so impressive that I created a diagram of it.

'Writing notes' and 'reading books' are also triggers for sowing seeds. However, they are just 'triggers'. This is just choosing the seeds.

Furthermore, take the next step of action. I think this is what sowing seeds means. This is also something I find difficult to do.

In the end, what is 'rewarding'?

Rewarding work is something you create and nurture within yourself.

I felt that this made a lot of sense.

We tend to look for fulfillment outside of ourselves, as if we are searching for fulfillment that exists somewhere out there, but that is not the case, is it?

Thinking about it that way, it is strange for others to say, 'This job is rewarding for these reasons!'.

'Certainly, that may be true for you.' 'But,' it is important to have the mindset that 'I am the one who decides whether or not it is rewarding for me.'.

Summary

You might be getting swept up by those around you and stopping your own thinking.

I felt that it is important to question, 'Am I living based on others' standards?' and to 'live based on my own standards.'

Sowing many seeds

Question common sense and live by your own standards

Create and cultivate fulfillment within yourself

That is all for today's lesson. Please come back again. 👋

Reading period 2021/09/10-2021/09/28
First edition published 2013/05/30

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