# Work and Society By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-07-06 There are many benefits to travel. Simply getting away is nice. It changes things up. If one can travel for extended periods, one can observe. One starts to do more “normal” things and fewer things associated with being a tourist. The more normal things one does, the more opportunity one has to observe how different cultures approach work and society. There is a wide spectrum in how work and society are enacted. Having observed these differences, one might question how one wants to enact work and be a member of this society. Whereas there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, there are certainly positions more or less likely to help one enjoy life. The model within the United States seems to be built with a focus on making money. If one makes enough money, one will be able to enjoy one’s life. Money certainly allows one to do a variety of things. There are a few issues with the “make money” approach. First, few ever make enough money to do anything other than work. Second, if one does make a significant amount of money, it seems they want to leave this society. If our approach to work and society is such that most “never make it,” and those who do want to leave, it is doubtful that our approach is the best. Perhaps a better approach would be where people felt joy and fulfillment at work and wanted to interact with one’s citizens. This isn’t utopian. People will still have bad days. Bad things will happen. Frustrations will persist. However, approaching work with a sense of pride in contributing to something that makes life better for society, whether being a nurse or making donuts, would be a good place to start. And then, after work, wouldn’t it be nice to socialize with those around us instead of being alone together? Our society is increasingly isolated and superficial. It is also increasingly broken. These are likely not independent phenomena. How we approach work and society is consequential. There are options. It will change when we change. Travel and see. #### Related Items [[Work]] [[Society]] [[Travel]] [[Money]] [[Culture]]