People frequently associate an appreciable amount of social status to their employment because it’s the easiest thing to control in the moment. That is, if you work hard (even if it’s for a job you hate), then you’re rewarded with instant gratifications (awards, rewards, praise from the boss, public recognition, private recognition, coworker envy, coworker sucking-up, perceived power, additional responsibilities, and the like), as well as long-term gratifications (raises, bonuses, commissions, promotions, incentives, fringe benefits, etc.). Unfortunately, many of the most important things in
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