Marx on arbitrary work: Why we often don't care about the job

Whether you like it or not, there is no denying the fact that Karl Marx changed the world as we know it with his works. But in this article, we will try to look at a quote from Marx that describes the modern labor market surprisingly well. And this despite the fact that he made this statement back in 1858.

"Indifference to particular labor corresponds to a form of society in which individuals pass with ease from one kind of labor to another and the particular kind of labor is accidental and therefore indifferent to them. Labor [...] has ceased to be a destiny that has grown together with the individuals in a particularity."

- Karl Marx

The indifference that Marx refers to in this quote is very familiar to us. After all, who hasn't experienced it: you're planning a big vacation with a few friends, but it's uncertain whether one of them will be able to go. This friend then says that he has to get time off work when the time comes, otherwise he will simply quit. At least we are no strangers to such situations. 

On the other hand, there is usually a slightly proud undertone when you talk to older people and they talk about their work. But it is precisely the absence of this pride when you talk to people from younger generations.

In our opinion, this can be traced back to one origin. Children today are no longer brought up to learn something that is fun and that they really enjoy. The meritocracy we have today preaches that by far the most important thing when choosing a job is the salary or wage. But if you limit your choice of job exclusively to the future salary, the activity is completely lost.

However, since most people spend around a third of their day at work, but are indifferent to it, you could say that people don't care about a third of their lives. Work can be swapped at will without the feeling that anything is changing. 

Especially when writing, whether a blog or a book, we realize what a power it can have to pursue an activity that you are passionate about. While reading philosophical books or writing, hours can pass without you realizing it. It may sound a little pompous, but doing a job that is related to your DestinationIf there is such a thing, it's probably the greatest thing you can achieve in the modern job market. Because this way, getting up every day doesn't become an ordeal, but can motivate you early in the morning.

Especially in a country like Germany, where it feels like work is above all else, it is important to take your time when choosing a job and put more than just the salary on the line. Because the sooner you find your dream job, the greater the work you can do in it. 
Simon and I, for example, are now of the opinion that we would have liked to have started writing earlier. However, you can't change the past and we are all the happier that we didn't discover writing for ourselves when we were fifty.

What is your experience with work and its fulfillment, can you observe something similar in your environment, that work is merely a means to earn money or is your environment different? Let us know your opinion in the comments.