Are you one of the 1 in 5 Americans with a mental health problem that is severe enough to be diagnosed, or one of the 1 in 17 people who have chronic, on-going issues? If so, why bother with work? Who cares about income? If you are careful, you can qualify for government programs that will keep you alive. You might take a hit to your standard of living, but will still have food, clothing and shelter. You will probably still be able to afford cable television, and probably a cell phone. You'll get to sleep late everyday too.
If people can survive, albeit not always comfortably, why should they bother with the hassles of getting up every morning: taking a shower, shaving, applying makeup (or in some instances, both), getting into a car or on a bus, and trudging to someplace where they LABOR?
Because work keeps us normal. The need to strive, to learn, to contribute, to achieve, and to win or lose is built into our DNA. This is a part of what makes us human. Birds build nests, and beaver build dams. This gives them a place to live, to raise their young, and to gather or eat food. That is much the same for humans.
But there is even more importance to the work of a person. This is a vehicle of self-expression. Work is a place to socialize, and to learn and teach. Work is a place where we express and fulfill our social needs.
All this from a burrito folding job at Taco Bell. Yes. And when we are fortunate or smart enough to actually be doing something we love (even burrito folding) we sometimes really see a little sliver of heaven.
Work can form a base upon which our emotional health can stand. Many people have experienced a traumatic event, such as a divorce or a violent crime, and used work as a way to occupy their time and mind while they rebuild their lives. They escape just a bit, for a while into something productive. Work, for a time, can become a safe place for us.
Work gives meaning to our lives.
When people do not have productive work to do, it affects them and those around them, all the way out to the larger society. When people do not have productive work, their lives tend to degrade. Mental functioning is decreased-use it or lose it. People often turn to poor habits, such as substance abuse. They tend to not care about their appearance or their physical health nearly as much. They may become involved in crime.
And when we have large numbers of people with no work, what happens to our society? What is the impact on our community? We already know. Such communities exist. They are called the inner city, and these areas plague us still today.
Go do something productive today, and enjoy.
Links to my work, "Beyond a Career Crisis":
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