A recent study from King’s College London’s Policy Institute reveals a shift in attitudes toward hard work and success. It found that in the UK, 49% of people now believe that both hard work and social connections are crucial for success, while only 55% in the US still hold onto the belief that hard work alone leads to a better life. This change in perspective is driven by generational differences and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the benefits of a better work-life balance.
Economic challenges like wage stagnation and rising living costs are also contributing to skepticism about the value of hard work. Younger generations, particularly millennials, are becoming more skeptical about prioritizing work due to long-term economic conditions that haven’t seen significant wage growth. Many now see hard work as insufficient to achieve financial stability or upward mobility.
Anthropologist David Graeber’s 2018 book Bullsht Jobs* explored the concept of jobs that don’t contribute meaningful value to society, further fueling the debate. These types of jobs are often viewed as unfulfilling and can be harmful both socially and psychologically. As a result, people are questioning the true purpose and value of their labor.
This growing skepticism isn’t necessarily about avoiding hard work but rather about seeking work with meaningful purpose. For example, tasks like gardening, which require effort but provide tangible rewards, are seen as more fulfilling than jobs perceived as pointless. This changing mindset reflects a broader desire for meaningful engagement in work, rather than laboring solely for financial gain.
