Work Is Not a Necessary Evil

Many of us grumble about our work lives, but consider this: "For most Americans, job satisfaction is a reliable source of happiness—more so than leisure."

The article "I Love My Work," by Arthur C. Brooks, in the September/October issue of The American explains that for most Americans "Work brings happiness":

In fact, according to the 2002 General Social Survey (GSS) from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, among adults who worked 10 hours a week or more in 2002, a surprising 89 percent said they were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their jobs. (our emphasis)

Work carries with it intrinsic rewards, such as a sense of meaning and control in in our lives.

As one might expect, however, there are caveats:

• ". . . there is a point beyond which excessive hours of work will lower health and quality of living," and
  
• jobs which are less meaningful and absorbing lead to unhappiness.

The entire, thought-provoking article is at The American's web site.