Work Won't Love You Back Pt. 2

Date: Aug 20th

This session and the previous one will feature excerpts from a number of
books, each about work and its impact on us and society. Seemingly every
aspect of our lives revolves around work. For many of us, it is the
most regular activity in our lives and how we spend a plurality of our
waking hours. The ways we describe our society are generally framed in
terms like GDP and job creation, which further reinforce the centrality
of jobs and work.

This week focuses on modern work culture and how we can resist the harmful effects of work discussed in the previous session. We will discuss organizing strategies, opting out of traditional work, and how to gain back our autonomy.

As always, all are welcome to attend whether you have done all, some, or none of the readings.

Arrive at 7 if you would like to swim before the discussion, which will start at 7:30.

Amelia Horgan, Lost in Work

• Chapter 7: “Phantoms and Slackers: Resistance at Work” (pg 109–119)

David Frayne, The Refusal of Work

• Chapter 8: “From Escapism to Autonomy” (pg 221–248)

Sarah Jaffe, Work Won’t Love You Back

• Chapter 4: “Service with a Smile: Retail” (pg 93–112)

• Chapter 5: “Suffer for the Cause: Nonprofits” (pg 112–137)