8 answers
Owen
Student
3
Questions
Asked
1369 views
why do you work what do you do it for?
Why do you work at all? isnt money just a concept so why do it at all?
7 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1333
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Owen, and wow mate!
Oh man, you really cracked open the ultimate existential crisis here. Why do we work? Why do we chase little green pieces of paper when we could just run off into the wild, befriend a family of raccoons, and live off berries like some kind of majestic forest cryptid?
Well, here’s the deal—society runs on money, and unfortunately, so do stomachs. You ever tried paying for a burger with "good vibes" alone? Doesn’t work. I tried. They just called security.
Now, if you’re thinking, "But money isn’t real!"—you’re kinda right. It’s a made-up human invention, just like time, taxes, and the weird social rule that says you can’t eat an entire cake by yourself in one sitting. But whether we like it or not, it’s what keeps the lights on, the snacks flowing, and, let’s be honest, lets us afford to occasionally make reckless, unnecessary Amazon purchases at 2 AM.
But here’s where work gets interesting. The real cheat code is finding a way to make money doing something you don’t totally hate. Best-case scenario? You even like it. Worst-case? You tolerate it while secretly scheming an escape plan that somehow involves passive income and a beach house.
And if none of this convinces you, just remember what Karin said—someone’s gotta pay for the cat food. No cat yet? Give it time. They have a way of appearing. And when one shows up demanding treats and world domination, you’re gonna wish you had a job.
All the best Owen. 😉😎
Oh man, you really cracked open the ultimate existential crisis here. Why do we work? Why do we chase little green pieces of paper when we could just run off into the wild, befriend a family of raccoons, and live off berries like some kind of majestic forest cryptid?
Well, here’s the deal—society runs on money, and unfortunately, so do stomachs. You ever tried paying for a burger with "good vibes" alone? Doesn’t work. I tried. They just called security.
Now, if you’re thinking, "But money isn’t real!"—you’re kinda right. It’s a made-up human invention, just like time, taxes, and the weird social rule that says you can’t eat an entire cake by yourself in one sitting. But whether we like it or not, it’s what keeps the lights on, the snacks flowing, and, let’s be honest, lets us afford to occasionally make reckless, unnecessary Amazon purchases at 2 AM.
But here’s where work gets interesting. The real cheat code is finding a way to make money doing something you don’t totally hate. Best-case scenario? You even like it. Worst-case? You tolerate it while secretly scheming an escape plan that somehow involves passive income and a beach house.
And if none of this convinces you, just remember what Karin said—someone’s gotta pay for the cat food. No cat yet? Give it time. They have a way of appearing. And when one shows up demanding treats and world domination, you’re gonna wish you had a job.
All the best Owen. 😉😎
Is it possible to have a career outside human contact and city? Like is it possible to live away alone in a land without working, just hunting for my own food and all? I mean that way i don't have to pay or earn. Is it not possible?
Zaroon
It’s totally possible to ditch the city life and live off the land, hunting your own food like a modern-day adventurer. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds, not alarms, and cooking up a fresh meal you caught yourself. Sounds like a dream, right? People have been doing it for centuries, and it’s still a lifestyle that some choose today. It’s called "off-grid living,"
Dr H
But here’s the catch: it’s a lot of work. You’ll need to master hunting, growing food, building shelter, and dealing with whatever nature throws at you—like that time you thought you were about to have a quiet morning but ended up running from a wild raccoon trying to steal your breakfast. And, sure, you won’t have to deal with any bills or rush hour traffic, but you’ll probably find yourself missing things like… human contact.
Or, you know, a working Wi-Fi signal when you need a YouTube tutorial on how to catch fish.
Living off the grid sounds like freedom, but it’s not a vacation—more like a daily test of survival skills. You get peace and simplicity, but also a lot of “uh-oh” moments, like when you realize you forgot to pack something essential… like, you know, toilet paper.
Dr H
If you’re cool with all the challenges and the occasional solo dance party with the squirrels, then it could be a pretty epic way to live. Just be sure you’re ready for the hard work, the isolation, and maybe a few too many bear encounters to count.
Dr H
Diana V. MS, CRC, LPCC
16
Answers
Updated
Diana V.’s Answer
Owen, I’ve spoken with at least 4 People this week between the ages of 19-22 with that exact question.
How about Maslows hierarchy of needs. In general, theoretically, humans must meet basic needs like food/water/shelter which all cost $$ before humans can progress to higher needs like safety, belonging, love.
I work because if I don’t I don’t have a place to live or food to eat. I work and save so in the future when I am too old work I will have saved money to cover my living and food expenses ( fingers crossed)
How about Maslows hierarchy of needs. In general, theoretically, humans must meet basic needs like food/water/shelter which all cost $$ before humans can progress to higher needs like safety, belonging, love.
I work because if I don’t I don’t have a place to live or food to eat. I work and save so in the future when I am too old work I will have saved money to cover my living and food expenses ( fingers crossed)
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1833
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
👥 WE'RE SOCIAL BEINGS
We thrive when we have a balance of getting and giving support to and from others. We get depleted at times when we’re always giving, but never receiving. Overall, we get a sense of fulfillment when helping others. We’re meant to work. We’re meant to work for the purposes of socialization, fulfilling our purpose or at least getting closer to figuring out what our purpose might be. If you like the work you do and feel recognized and seen by your employers, that’s an excellent reason to find meaning in what you do.
👥 PEOPLE NEED PEOPLE
Recognition is good for our self-esteem. When someone else acknowledges and comments positively on the work you’re doing, it can give you a boost of the hormones that drive happiness. All of these things are important to feeling content and happy in life. If your attitude towards work is more negative at the moment, I challenge you to think of the benefits. Sure, the idea of winning the lottery and doing whatever you darn well please sounds nice. But doing nothing or not having any structure to your days and weeks might get old after awhile.
We thrive when we have a balance of getting and giving support to and from others. We get depleted at times when we’re always giving, but never receiving. Overall, we get a sense of fulfillment when helping others. We’re meant to work. We’re meant to work for the purposes of socialization, fulfilling our purpose or at least getting closer to figuring out what our purpose might be. If you like the work you do and feel recognized and seen by your employers, that’s an excellent reason to find meaning in what you do.
👥 PEOPLE NEED PEOPLE
Recognition is good for our self-esteem. When someone else acknowledges and comments positively on the work you’re doing, it can give you a boost of the hormones that drive happiness. All of these things are important to feeling content and happy in life. If your attitude towards work is more negative at the moment, I challenge you to think of the benefits. Sure, the idea of winning the lottery and doing whatever you darn well please sounds nice. But doing nothing or not having any structure to your days and weeks might get old after awhile.
Thank You Michelle. Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.
Doc Frick
Katherine Gajere
Executive assistant
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
I work because I like to get things done and get paid to do it. I have a job where i love what i do. I also like to have nice things and give the same to my family
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
561
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Owen,
Someone has to pay for the cat food.
KP
Someone has to pay for the cat food.
KP
Carrie E.
Pharmacist
3
Answers
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
Working helps me to do the things I want to do outside work. I enjoy my job enough, but I enjoy it even more when I can have my own living space or buy something like a concert ticket with my earnings! (And, yes, cat food.)
I also have the added benefit of knowing that I'm contributing in a positive way to other people's lives. That's very important to me in a job, and it's part of how I ended up in healthcare.
I also have the added benefit of knowing that I'm contributing in a positive way to other people's lives. That's very important to me in a job, and it's part of how I ended up in healthcare.
andrea milman
call center
4
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
andrea’s Answer
This is a question my 23 yr old son asks me. I understand the concept of work doesn't have a great ring to it, but it is a necessary step to being able to provide yourself with the basic needs as food and shelter. If you have a job you enjoy, then that makes the "work" just so much better! You don't have to be stepping into a 100k a year job for it to have value.
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment