The Once and Future Worker by Oren Cass

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

Oren Cass is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. In this book, Cass tackles the tough challenge global economies are facing with regards to the future of productivity, growth, human interest and well-being. As wages have become stagnant for over a generation and although we are told employment has increased the labour market is more heavily made up of casual and part-time workers who face an increasing level of uncertainty, job-insecurity and dissatisfaction. According to Cass this is causing an increasing reliance of welfare programs as life expectancy falls, drug abuse and obesity increases and families who provide the backbone and stability to well-functioning communicates and society as a whole are falling apart. An important reason for Cass’s work. What is the state of the future worker?

It’s no longer a hidden issue that can be easily excused. There may be those who remain blind to the issues of the current workforce, choosing to remain ignorant perhaps in favour of profiteering or fear to face change, the reality is all around us. The working landscape has changed. As Cass highlights, we can keep adopting past strategies to try stimulating economic growth in efforts to bring a satisfactory lifestyle balance and harmony to society however the past has seen such attempts fail. Trying to encourage people to consume however the majority of the population can no longer afford to keep up is a losing battle. Something needs to change, and Cass believes it’s not too late.

Like most things, change requires buy-in and a consensus among societies and our communities. All change will take an investment of time, energy and capital however, in the long run, such planned investments will repay many times over. If we wish to achieve the same results then we should keep doing what we’ve always done. Personally, I don’t know too many people in the circles I walk who want things to stay the way they are. People want more out of life. People want more meaning. People want to contribute. People want to be a part of serving and creating a more beautiful world. And yet I believe that many amongst us feel as though our hands are tied as too what we can do and perhaps the key source to this feeling of restriction begins with our work.

I believe Cass makes many good points and arguments against what creates prosperity. And while wealth and growth in the financial sense is one form of prosperity it doesn’t take into consideration wealth and growth on the individual front. For the individual, happiness is paramount and that often is a result of finding freedom and fulfilment and I believe this is a direct result finding meaningful work.

The question remains, what is meaningful work?

Meaningful work comes in many forms however broadly speaking we find meaning in our work when it provides the person with a level of purpose and significance. A sense of self-worth. This is about feeling like we are contributing to not only the well-being of ourselves but for others, too. Our families, communities and society. When we feel like our work has a positive impact on the lives of others, we are more fulfilled and more satisfied. Our work needs to be challenging. It needs to provide us with a self-fulfilling level of growth, a feeling that we are moving forward in a positive direction and not backwards. These provide some elements of meaningful work that seem to be readily less available.

If we spend most of our waking hours at work, it makes sense for it to be meaningful. It also must allow us to support those families and communities we love to serve, and this is where the challenge remains. The work we do seems less connected to providing benefit for the greater good and at the local level are not allowing us to live and contribute in a manner that many would accept to be satisfactory.

There are more questions that need be answered and I think Cass has done a moderate job in provoking some thought on what is a serious issue that will affect us all. At times while reading I felt the book a little disjointed and I found it didn’t quite satisfy my expectations going into it. However, I do not disregard the content or the importance of Cass’s work. I do agree that Robust economies and well-functioning societies are built on the strength of our families and communities. If the foundations aren’t there what chance does the future worker have?

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase The Once and Future Worker: A Vision for the Renewal of Work in America here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

Other books that you may enjoy.

. .

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.