Bullshit Jobs

The last 100 years created a host of administrative, professional and service-focused jobs. While paying well – at least partially – the contribution of these jobs in terms of societal value is questionable or even directly questioned by the many people actually doing them. For David Graeber we are talking about “bullshit jobs” – not fundamentally needed by others and even secretly disliked by the ones performing them. This situation, as Graeber summarizes, brings a “profound moral and spiritual damage. It is a scar across our collective soul.” Yet we don’t talk about this issue.

The ongoing computerization of jobs in the 21st century opens up the discussion about “bullshit jobs” in a surprising way. As a lot of these jobs are facing automation (see Frey and Osborne, 2013), we can ask ourselves –  how can we consciously endeavour towards creating societal value through meaningful jobs with a purpose?

There are enough urgent societal challenges to work on, from climate change to migration or social isolation, and there are countless opportunities to contribute to the flourishing of humanity and all living beings on this planet. Beyond asking “what do I get paid for in the short term,” STRIDE invites you to take seriously the question: “What do we need to live a meaningful life, and what does the world need?”

Through our STRIDE unDiploma in Collaborative Leadership and Social Innovation we support you in finding a matter of concern – both for yourself as well as the world – that you want to work on together with others and pursue as a venture. We deeply believe in the power of co-creation and world-making: jointly contributing towards the greater good and being part of the solution.