The philosophers of ancient Greece viewed it as demeaning, while Asian traditions venerated it. Protestantism cemented it as the foundational ethos of modern capitalism - though the Bible portrays it as both a glorification of God and a punishment. With this long history of mixed messages, it's no wonder many of us feel ambivalent about the activity that consumes most of our life's waking hours - in one loaded word, work. With interviews, case studies, anecdotes, and a dose of good humour, Joshua Halberstam explores the subtle balance between making a living and making a life - posing such probing questions as: Why do so few of us claim to enjoy our work when studies tell us otherwise? Are you too ambitious or not ambitious enough? Where do you draw the line - if any - between your professional and personal selves? What aspects of your job make you happy? Thoughtful, surprising, and inspiring, this is a unique new look at an age-old topic - and a valuable benefit for anyone seeking more rewards and fulfilment in their own working life.
