The author is the snob, by calling intellectual, creative, ivory-tower sort of work "lovable" and all the rest "unlovable." News flash: Some people prefer tak

The author is the snob, by calling intellectual, creative, ivory-tower sort of work "lovable" and all the rest "unlovable." News flash: Some people prefer taking care of babies to running a giant corporation. In fact, if you happen to love babies and have a real knack for it, hanging out with a baby all day and taking home a paycheck is a pretty good gig if you can get it. Similarly, many Uber drivers I talk to are thrilled with their business, which lets them support their family while being their own boss and setting their own hours, and all they have to do is drive a car around town. I'm not saying diapers are fun (I have a newborn); obviously not every moment of every job is "lovable," and a little grit and mettle is required. I'm also not saying people who "love" their work would do it for free. Some would, but that's way too high a standard for the present conversation. We're talking about individual career choice, not abolishing money in the world. Yes, "do what you love" is an ideal, an aspiration, but it's a lot less dehumanizing, more practical, and more empowering than whatever it replaces. (Get a college degree, get a job, follow the rules, and you'll retire rich?) If employers have to at least try to make an argument that they provide an environment conducive to personal growth and that you'll have a positive impact on the world by working there, that's great. How insulting and invalidating is it for the author to assume "workers" must be miserable, even if the workers themselves don't know it? It's the elitist version of "those poor, miserable atheists." Or: "Those poor, miserable programmers who have jobs rather than starting a start-up. They've actually been brainwashed to think they're happy. They say they like programming!" Or: "Those poor stay-at-home moms, squandering their potential at the whim of the patriarchy. They will never know the true fulfillment that comes from a high-powered career." Be careful what assumptions you bring to the table. You might be the asshole.