work

March 25th, 2024

A New Philosophy of Productivity

By Cal Newport

The problem is not with productivity in a general sense, but instead with a specific faulty definition that has taken hold in recent decades. Here’s what should replace it.

March 24th, 2024

What It’s Like to Be…a Cattle Rancher

By Dan Heath

Raising cattle in the high desert, hauling calves to auction, and protecting the herd from mountain lions with Chachi Hawkins, a cattle rancher in southwest Texas.

March 12th, 2024

What It’s Like to Be…a Turnaround Consultant

By Dan Heath

Diagnosing what ails struggling companies, choosing the “least crappy option”, and managing constant stress with Jeff Vogelsang, a turnaround consultant.

March 04th, 2024

A Cognitive Labor of Love

By Allison Daminger

In this award-winning personal essay, sociologist Allison Daminger reflects on how her research on the division of household “cognitive labor” influences the decisions she makes in her own relationship.

What It’s Like to Be…a Nurse

By Dan Heath

Caring for patients with serious burns, making sure the correct leg gets operated on, and working 24 hours straight with Teresa Shuster, a nurse in Florida.

February 26th, 2024

What the Living Wage Leaves Out

By Nick Romeo

The living wage calculator makes no provision for eating in a restaurant, repaying loans, saving for retirement, or taking a vacation. What does go into calculating a living wage? And does the term “living” allow companies to pay people inadequately while appearing generous?

January 30th, 2024

What It’s Like to Be…a Hair Stylist

By Dan Heath

Cutting to accentuate the client’s eyes and ears, plotting to tame Einstein’s hair, and riding the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with Ona Diaz-Santin, a hair stylist from New Jersey.