Research Paper on Why Do People Work

Ring! Ring! Picture this, it is Monday morning around 7:30 and that ringing sound is an alarm demanding you to get up and get ready for an “Another exciting day of work”. This Monday morning is dreadful and bothersome to get out of bed and then you think to yourself “Why do I even work, is it worth it?” The answer, of course, is yes the majority must work and be productive in society. There is a reason why unemployment, jobless claims, and wages are important topics in showing how the country is successful or failing. The reason is that people need to work. It is the way things are done and people know that. Even though in 2021 the need for work has shifted a bit due to unemployment benefits, the majority still knows that going to work is necessary, but most people have different reasons for why they work. With the help from the articles: “What’s the most satisfying job in the world? You’d be surprised” by Barry Schwartz and “Why work? A psychologist explains the deeper meaning of your daily grind” by Anne Quito and a couple of others, the reasons why people work will become clear. While financial security is the main reason why Americans work, contemporary people also work to achieve independence, a sense of identity, and passion. 

To begin with, people work to gain a sense of independence. Being independent is the goal everyone wants to achieve. The benefits of this are astronomical, to the workplace and oneself. In the workplace being independent makes an employee more efficient and resourceful. Instead of taking time and asking for help, the person can do it on their own. There is a reason why the saying “teach a man to fish and they can live independently, give a man fish to eat they will become needy and keep coming back” is so popular. When people keep coming back relying on others for their needs, the country and the workplace turn into a very bad place. Many people can lose jobs or money will be directed to other resources and that will ultimately turn into layoffs. That is why people work, to become independent and better workers. The people want to be able to take pride in what they do. “Luke works as a custodian...his official duties were only one part of his real job, and that other central part of his job was to make the patients and their family feel comfortable, to cheer them up…”(Schwartz 1). This is a prime example of independence and how self-sufficiency which leads to pride is a reason why people work. Lucas’s job entails him not talking to anyone, but he took pride in what he did and decided to take it a step further. He had conversations with the patients, he cheered people up when they were sad, and many others. He does this because he is independent and cares about his job. That is the reason Luke gets out of bed in the morning. Doing this also makes the hospital look better, which will bring in more business. It is a win-win for everyone. Thus, showing how being independent and self-sufficient is a reason for working. 

Moreover, another reason why Americans work is because of the sense of identity the job gives. A sense of identity has many different aspects to it, it can make a person a hero. One example is a police officer. Police officers save lives every day and can usually be considered heroes. The main reason why cops work is the feeling of enjoyment and courage they get from helping people, not because it fuels ego, it is because it is the right thing to do. Another way the profession aids in identity is when people introduce themselves. After a name, a job is usually the next topic of conversation. Saying a job that has meaning is huge for the person and the speaker. It can give respect, it can create a connection. “Respect is among the things that contribute to one’s self-esteem and happiness in life… people would pursue jobs that earn them respect in society”(Skillroads 1). Mental health is crucial in life, it can affect the workplace, work ethic, and many others. Having respect for one’s job will boost self-esteem and make everything work better. Also, respect motivates life-altering decisions, and employment is one of the biggest choices. The part in the article that talks about respect and why it is a reason for work also mentions creativity. Being creative in the long run will earn a person’s respect. Taking the initiative and helping the workplace will make everyone happy. That is a large identity factor. “I am a cop, I save lives'' or “I am a teacher, I teach the youth and teach kids to have a good future and a proper life.” Another way Thus, showing how creating an identity and a sense of its existence adds to the reason why people in today’s society works.

In addition, people work because they have a certain passion and are very good at something. “Following your passions is a long-running and oft-derided theme in career decision-making”(Brooks 1). Someone who chooses to work will choose to work somewhere where the person is the most passionate for and best at. The most relevant example of this could be a pro-athlete. According to many sites, only 2% of NCAA athletes go to the big leagues. That shows that only the best of the best make it to pro and they would have to have a real passion for it since they dedicated their lives to something. It also shows that people need to have the greatest skill level to do so. Another example, a more realistic one, could be an accountant. If someone has a natural gift for numbers, data analysis, and business sense then that person would want to work at a job where they will thrive. Being proficient at those skills will choose a job as an accountant or somewhere near that. Thus, showing how skills, passions, and talents can push a person in contemporary America to work.

Furthermore, the seemingly most important reason why people work is money and monetary gain, also money is a huge drive for me in the future. With that being said, my career aspiration is to be an Investment Banker. Investment Bankers, well the field I want to go in, work for corporations and raise capital by investing their money. In simple terms, I want to be a financial advisor for corporations. The average starting salary for these investment bankers are anywhere ranging from 100,000-150,000 dollars yearly. In my opinion, that is an insane amount of money to make coming out of college. Yes, there are some trade-offs, for example, long hours, but that is only for a few years. After that few years the salary doubles, even triples, so the long hours for a short time is worth it. Money is the key to unlocking happiness and everyone’s wants. Money can buy the standard food, water, and shelter. Money can allow a person to have anything, from a car, a house, all the way to financial freedom. Money also allows the person to fully support their family and their wants and needs. Money is the most valuable asset in the United States and everyone knows it. There is a reason the saying “money makes the world go round” is a thing, and all the things claimed previously are why. Thus, showing how money is one critical reason why people in America Work. 

In conclusion, while financial security is the main reason why Americans work, contemporary people also work to achieve independence, a sense of identity, and passion. Being financially stable is in my opinion the most important reason why people work. Money buys happiness, so having a lot of it will make someone the happiest they can be. Which pushes people to work the most. Also, independence, being able to be your own boss is another goal. Independence will also come easier with more money. Being more independent will earn more respect, and respect gives a person more motivation. Identity also motivates someone to work because it boosts self-esteem and confidence. Finally, skills and passions. If I was highly skilled in a certain area, I would most definitely want to work in that area. Being the best will give an ego boost and that will make the world so much better for all. I wonder what the future will hold for me and what my job will be like. Also, I would like to see if money would be my ideal motivation in a couple of years. As you can see, people work for many reasons, and why it motivates people to get up each morning.