Author Malcolm Gladwell is at war with pajama people. My people. And I won't stand for it.
I've had a growing disdain for the self-help space over the past several years, but I think this COVID-19 pandemic really cranked it up a notch. One of the pillars of Type C Creative is: not every method works for every person. As a neurodivergent diva myself, I understand the damage caused when self-help ‘experts’ start speaking in absolutes.
I'm not saying the self-help/thought leadership world is all bullshit or unhelpful. That would make me as annoying as Malcolm Gladwell! But once you start coming for my WFH loungewear, it gets personal. And I have no choice but to address it.
In case you missed it (tbh, I almost did, but I made the mistake of logging on to Facebook for “Professionals” LinkedIn this morning and saw some drama drama drama).
Based on my research (skimming one and a half articles), it seems Gladwell — author of 'Outliers' and ‘Blink’ — made a stink in a podcast interview about why working from home makes you a depressed, useless-to-society human being (I'm paraphrasing, bitterly).
"I know it's a hassle to come to the office. But if you're just sitting in your pajamas in your bedroom, is that the work life you want to live?"
Yes, actually.
"If we don't feel like we're part of something important, what's the point? If it's just a paycheck, then what have you reduced your life to?"
This … is the one that really got me.
I haven't listened to the podcast interview, and I've never read any of his books, so I'll give Malcolm the benefit of the doubt/not assume I know how he views the world. I'll speak from my own experience.
The sentiment I took from that quote is where you make money is what's supposed to give your life meaning. Which really bothers me.
I spent years trying to chase a 'fulfilling' career path and it left me feeling depressed, burnt out, and overwhelmed. It took two years of working from home in my pajamas on the couch for me to realize I didn't feel the need to “be part of something important” in my work life. Also, I fucking love pajamas. Like, my entire wardrobe is essentially pajamas now and I wouldn't have it any other way.
There are many meaningful contributions I make in the workplace, I know that to be true. But I no longer feel the need to depend on those contributions to give my life meaning.
There are several think-pieces out there addressing the many ways in which Gladwell f'd up and reduced a very complex issue into a simplistic, out-of-touch ‘should.’ I don't feel the need to repeat those points here.
Instead, I'll lean into the hot topic of ‘quiet quitting’ and just say: It's okay if your job is just a paycheck, if you're comfortable with that. I sure as hell am.
Now, to end on an even more powerful note, here's where I've bought some of my favorite loungewear: https://upwest.com/
Peace, love and workflows,
Andrea