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Comment by johnward | Hacker News Reader

Because not everyone can do what they want to do and support their lives? I've hated every job I've ever had. I still have to do it. edit: Why is it that you associate work with meaning in your life? What if someone find meaning in spending time with family, or whatever?

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Why is it that you associate work with meaning in your life?

It's a common sensibility in the US and Western Europe because that's the Puritan Work Ethic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant_work_ethic

I don't think that's the OP's mindset, on the contrary: look for a way to do something you really want instead of taking a mindless job.

Well, I read it more as "if work is going to provide the meaning of your life, might as well have it be something you like to do." However, aside from the PWE, centuries of history tell us that liking your job is a luxury.

Thousands of years of history tell us that toilets are a luxury too.

Those aren't mutually exclusive. You can find meaning in work & in spending time with family, etc.

No one thinks it's bad to find meaning in relationships, or whatever.

That is true but the original post seemed to come to the conclusion that if you don't find a job you like you will never have meaning in your life.

I find meaning in work because it's what I leave behind once I'm dead. What I create, build, and put out into the world is part of my legacy. That's pretty important to me, perhaps not the same for others.

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