What’s up with the lionization of the hatred of work?

I know social media is supposed to be funny, but teaching this new generation that they should hate waking up early, hate sitting in an office, hate their bosses, and just hate work in general is a very dangerous proposition.

The latest IG post said:

I hope when I die, it’s early in the morning so I don’t go to work that day for no reason.

Sure, funny. But prescient, also. Why is having a job such a catastrophe?

I’ve always loved working. Always. There has never been a job I’ve ever dreaded doing, or hating going into. I have to work. It feeds my energy and passion.

Here’s some advice on how to have a great week from the Stoics:

Monday: Rise and Shine

On those mornings you struggle with getting up, keep this thought in mind: “I am awakening to the work of a human being. Why then am I annoyed that I am going to do what I’m made for, the very things for which I was put into this world?”

-Marcus Aurelius

Tuesday: Prepare Yourself for Negativity

I know that these wrong-doers are still akin to me- and that none can do me harm, or implicate me in ugliness- nor can I be angry at others or hate them, for we are made for cooperation.

-Marcus Aurelius

Wednesday: Clarify Your Intentions

Let all your efforts be directed to something, let it keep that end in view. It’s not activity that disturbs people, but false conceptions of things that drive them mad.

-Seneca

Thursday: Be Ruthless to Things That Don’t Matter

How many have laid waste to your life when you weren’t aware of what you were losing? How much was wasted in pointless grief, foolish joy, greedy desire, and social amusements? How little of your own was left to you?

-Seneca

Friday: Turn “Have to” to “Get to”

The task of a philosopher: we should bring our will into harmony with whatever happens, so that nothing happens against our will and nothing that we wish for fails to happen.

-Epictetus

Saturday: Take a Walk

We should take wandering outdoor walks so that the mind might be nourished and refreshed by the open air and deep breathing.

-Seneca

Sunday: A Week in Review

I will keep constant watch over myself and- most usefully- will put up each day for review.