Let’s Talk About Privilege

Dear Reader (especially those of you who tore yourself away from the Elizabeth Warren-Elon Musk Twitter wars to read this),

A couple weeks ago, Henry Charles Albert David, known by his world-stage-name Prince Harry, bought himself some grief for saying: 

“Many people around the world have been stuck in jobs that didn’t bring them joy, and now they’re putting their mental health and happiness first. This is something to be celebrated.”

It’s worth pointing out that he’s the spokesmodel for some mental health startup, so he’s literally being paid to say it. But he’s got a point. All things being equal, if you can find a job that brings you joy that’s a good thing. Though the primary point of a job isn’t to bring you joy, it’s to provide an adequate income. If you can find one that provides both, great. Even if you have to sacrifice a bit on the income side to find joy, that’s probably a good trade. Of course, there are caveats aplenty. If you have a family to provide for, I don’t think you should put too much emphasis on joy. “Honey, I know the kids don’t have shoes, but I can’t give up the kazoo! It’s my vocation!” Conversely, if you like, say, murdering people and thus really love your high paying gig as an assassin, that’s nothing for the rest of us to celebrate. 

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