“Not working” can refer to several different, yet often related, contexts, ranging from a job not being a good fit to the broader trend of reconsidering the necessity of traditional employment.
Reasons Why a Job “Isn’t Working”According to a video on 13 Signs Your Job is NOT Working For You (2024), a job may not be right for you if you feel:
A lack of impact or purpose: You don’t see the value in your work.
Insufficient resources: You lack the tools, training, or support to do your job effectively.
A lack of growth: There are no opportunities to learn new skills.
Low pay: Your wages haven’t kept pace with inflation or industry standards.
A lack of flexibility: The job doesn’t allow for a work-life balance.
Poor management/culture: You feel your input doesn’t matter or you lack autonomy. The “Anti-Work” Movement & Economic Factors
High costs: Some individuals find it too expensive to work in the US, where commuting, child care, and work-related expenses often outweigh the wages, making it inefficient to work.
Low wages: Many people feel that 60-hour work weeks only lead to a life of survival rather than stability.
Identity Shift: There is a growing movement to decouple personal identity and purpose from employment, rejecting the idea that one’s life purpose must be a 50-year career.
“I have some autoimmune stuff going on, but once my doctor clears me I’d like to transition back to my position… [a Reddit user on how to talk about not working]” Reddit · r/Adulting · 3 months ago
“Not Working” Due to Health (When to Stay Home)According to Keck Medicine of USC, you should not go to work if you have a fever, a hacking cough, a killer headache, or are experiencing excessive nasal discharge (green or yellow), to avoid spreading germs and to focus on recovery.
Navigating Conversations About Not WorkingWhen people ask why you are not employed, some find it helpful to simply say they are “retired” or on a “medical reprieve” to avoid pressure, as discussed on this Reddit thread.
“I’m a private person & am not comfortable sharing the details of my life with people I don’t know. [a Reddit user’s perspective on sharing why they are not working]” Reddit · r/Adulting · 3 months ago