In the beginning was the Word

    In a last post about freelancing , based on my categorically negative attitude to work as an occupation for slaves, a discussion broke out, the meaning of which is that not everyone can be business owners, someone must also be a hired employee. Yes, no doubt it is. People are different, some can organize brilliantly, while others are not able to operate with this huge array of information, risks and decisions, but they are capable of creating masterpieces in a narrowly sharpened direction and there is nothing bad or shameful about it. To each his own.

    But still I continue to insist on the view that work is for slaves. This is hidden in the very name of the word. Work is what is done from need, through power. Under the pressure of circumstances. What a person would not do if he had such an opportunity. Work cannot be loved - it is self-deception.

    In contrast to work, there is another word - business. The point is that it captures, brings pleasure. What would a person do even if he had to pay for it. What can be proud of, which is the subject of self-realization. Favorite business reveals the potential of a person, releases monstrous productivity and dedication. The desire to do better and more perfect. And if so, then the quality and efficiency of labor increases sharply. And, of course, business income is increasing. Each of you is ready to pay for quality, I have no doubt about it.

    And do not confuse business with a hobby or business, it is only special cases. For Korolev, rocket science was neither a business nor a hobby, and certainly it was not a job. It was a business, a business of a lifetime, for which it was worth living. And only in this case, something good can arise and something great be born.

    Everything else is a waste of life, killed for a hated job or a flawed business, bringing only irritation and anxiety. And the essence of the matter is unimportant - a professional system administrator can anxiously strive to create and perfect control over a colossal network, an ordinary engineer can develop a perfect steel squiggle in every way for the chassis of a new aircraft. It doesn’t matter if it delivers.

    Recently, in Auchan, I drew attention to the design of the wheel of a freight cart, which rides in a straight line and tightly stands on the inclined surface of the travelator. It’s just a wheel of some fucking trolley, but I would be incredibly proud if it came to my mind that the design so ingenious in its simplicity, reliability and manufacturability.



    Do you make a difference between work and work? Inside, on a daily level. It would seem, what difference does it make? Even so, at least the essence seems to be the same. There is a difference - different words, different meanings, different emotional colors. Emotions affect perception and, ultimately, motivation and job satisfaction. To the result.

    For me, it all started with the fact that I clearly, tremblingly, realized this difference. Appreciated what I do. May I call THIS my business. I couldn’t. Immediately threw it and, it would seem, did the same, but there was a nuance. That was already the case. That which I love, that which swallows me. The same thing, but mine. Nothing has changed, but at the same time, everything has changed.

    Since then I have been avoiding the words “work”, “earned”, “earnings” and all derivatives in relation to myself. Aloud, in thoughts, in text - everywhere. It’s difficult, their habits, their mother, but this alone changes their thinking, makes them pull themselves and look around. Ask questions, but am I doing this at all? Do I need this? Cautions against mistakes and wrong ways, getting into a rut of habit and routine.

    Are you still working? Maybe it's time to give up this useless killing of life and get down to business.

    Also popular now: