Lost in Work: Escaping Capitalism

Lost in Work is a brilliant, searing exposé of the lies underpinning work, showing that it means precarity, anxiety, and alienation. Amelia Horgan poses three big questions: what is work, how does it harm us, and what can we do about it?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2021
Publisher: Pluto Press

Evening Standard's Best Non-Fiction 2021: A Brilliant, Searing Exposé of the Lies Underpinning Work

"Work hard, get paid. It's simple. Self-evident. But it's also a lie—at least for most of us. For people today, the old assumptions are crumbling; hard work in school no longer guarantees a secure, well-paying job in the future. Far from a gateway to riches and fulfillment, work means precarity, anxiety, and alienation. Amelia Horgan poses three big questions: what is work? How does it harm us? And what can we do about it? While abolishing work altogether is not the answer, Lost in Work shows that when we are able to take control of our workplaces, we become less miserable, and can work towards the transformative goal of experimenting with work as we know it."

The old adage "work hard, get paid" is no longer a universal truth in today's world. For many individuals, the promise of a secure and well-paying job after years of education and hard work is diminishing. The traditional notion that hard work in school would lead to a prosperous future is being challenged, as the job market becomes increasingly competitive and unpredictable.

In her book, Lost in Work, Amelia Horgan explores the harmful effects of work on individuals and society. She raises three crucial questions: what is work? How does it harm us? And what can we do about it? Horgan argues that work is not just a means of earning a living but also a source of precarity, anxiety, and alienation.

The modern workplace is characterized by long hours, unpredictable schedules, and constant pressure to perform. Employees are often expected to be available 24/7, regardless of their personal lives or health concerns. This relentless demand for productivity can lead to burnout, stress-related illnesses, and a sense of disconnection from one's work and oneself.

Furthermore, work can harm our physical and mental well-being. Long hours spent sitting at a desk can lead to chronic health problems such as back pain, neck pain, and eye strain. The constant stress and pressure can also contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Horgan suggests that we need to reevaluate our relationship with work and strive for a more balanced and fulfilling approach. She advocates for workplace policies that prioritize employee well-being, such as flexible work arrangements, paid time off, and mental health support. She also encourages individuals to take control of their workplaces and advocate for policies that promote work-life balance and job satisfaction.

While abolishing work altogether may not be a viable solution, Horgan believes that we can work towards a transformative goal of experimenting with work as we know it. She suggests that we can explore new ways of working that are more flexible, sustainable, and fulfilling. This could involve adopting a four-day workweek, job sharing, or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures that align with our passions and values.

In conclusion, the old adage "work hard, get paid" is no longer sufficient in today's world. Work is not just a means of earning a living but also a source of precarity, anxiety, and alienation. We need to reevaluate our relationship with work and strive for a more balanced and fulfilling approach. By taking control of our workplaces and advocating for policies that prioritize employee well-being, we can work towards a future where work is not just a means of survival but a source of joy and fulfillment.

Weight: 162g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745340913