Why has work become the primary way we express who we are?

In the 1930s (stay with me, it'll make sense) John Maynard Keynes, arguably the godfather of modern economics said in the future, societies will be so awash with cash and machines so effortlessly efficient at doing our work for us, we'll be working 15-hour weeks, tops. And he had a point.

In the two decades that followed, average weekly working hours dropped from 60 to 40 hours by the 1950s. We were on course for a one-hour-working-day by now. What happened?

I simply don't have the time 🏃‍♂️

While the working week is, on average somewhere in the mid-30s these days, I know few, if anyone adhering to those hours. Sure, you might hop on the train at 8 to work (in the good old days of commuting) and head home around 5, but the work doesn't stop when you leave work.

"I just have to send this email," "My boss has asked for this report first thing in the morning," "I have to write an incredibly astute daily email newsletter for my loving fans." See? All busy. But why is that? Why are we all slaving away at a digital coal face?

Cos it's more than 'just a job' 🧑‍💼

Over at the Economist's 1843 Magazine, Ryan Avent argues it's because of three things: the disappearance of civic institutions, the quiet death of "if I stay in this one job I'll be looked after" and the rise of work as an integral, if not defining part of our identity.

First, institutions. Sociologist Robert Putnam said in his 1995 book (don't worry I've referenced it below) that as the world around us: the church, the community, the high street fell away, so did people's ability to express a sense of self outside of work.

Simultaneously, our social lives became intertwined with our personal ones. Look at your friends on social media. How many are from school, university, a neighbourhood, a job you work at or a job you no longer do? Avent argues that these lines have blurred.

"All of life has become professional to some extent" he says, pointing to how when we leave the house or communicate online, we're projecting an idea of ourselves in some calculated way. Lastly, the lack of security. Job security, or jobs for life have long gone.

My father has worked in the same company for 40 years. I've never worked anywhere longer than three. Avent argues that to stay ahead in this life, we have to be aware of when's the right time to head for the door, and when is it time to knuckle down.

Being on the job it seems, is part of the job.

Ok, where can I learn more? 📚

• Bowling Alone Robert Putnam's book about the decline of a world outside work.
• The Guardian grapples with the politics of the work/life balance.
• The always great School of Life examines how your job shapes you.