2020.02.02

One important aspect of work is impact. Being able to make a demonstrably significant impact on the lives of others is a goal of a profession. This could be significant impact in the lives of few, or less significant impact in the lives of many. Ideally, the impact would be significant enough to drive a directional change in “the way things are done.” This means that while doing a good thing is good, making the way a good thing is done better, that’s best. Building schools so that more children can have an education is good, but innovating the system such that it is easier to build new schools, or such that it reframed the problem of education, that is best. Creating good policy is good, but impacting positive change in the way society and politics thinks about policy making, that is best.

This leads to a second consideration about work, which is that good work should involve contributing in a way that optimizes for me. In an ideal work situation, it would be hard to replace me. It should take advantage of my strengths and my way of thinking. My unique perspective should be exercised, and used as a positive force for the work.

Currently, I believe good work would be one where I am in a position of leadership. This would allow me to exercise my creativity and other strengths fully.

Good work should also contribute to beauty in the world. This is most clearly achievable through art, but the aforementioned changing of “the way things are done” can also be a way to get to this. Providing beauty is one way to impact people, and it’s a way that I find personally fulfilling and is the sign of good work.

Money should be considered a means to an end. Making money serves the purpose of allowing one to take more risks to further innovate, and to provide for those that are loved.