Anti-Work. A Step Toward Work Revolution?
Discover more about the anti-work movement
Posted on 04-23-2022, Read Time: 7 Min
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Over the past months, Emily experienced terrible working conditions. Work after hours started to be a norm for her. Jack, in turn, had to deal with a toxic boss for years. Business calls in the middle of the night? Check. Emotional manipulation? Check.
It took a while, but they finally realized something that changed their lives. Your work won't love you back.
So they quit.
Just like that. They found motivation in the anti-work community.
You might not have heard of it, but it might change work reality. Let MyPerfectResume’s study on anti-work bring you closer to the topic.
Beginnings of Anti-Work
Job dissatisfaction due to burnout, mental strain, or the general economic situation spread through the job market. People finally realized that their work wouldn’t love them back. Thus, they stopped making sacrifices without getting anything in return.
It was 2013. A group of people started to protest against poor low wages and long hours, exhausting work culture, or employees’ exploitation by corporations. They decided to vent their frustrations on Reddit. Consequently, they gave birth to a community known as “Antiwork,” proclaiming the motto “Unemployment for all, not just the rich!”. By sharing their own negative work experience and discussing poor working conditions, they aimed to help those trapped and exploited in their jobs.
Their actions weren’t pointless. Years later, this initially small movement has gathered nearly 1.8 million supporters. And it’s no longer just an online group. It’s a movement that employers talk about.
Recently, MyPerfectResume conducted a study to discover more about the anti-work movement.
Is it hopeless idealism or a realistic response to modern working life? What do we know about this community?
It was 2013. A group of people started to protest against poor low wages and long hours, exhausting work culture, or employees’ exploitation by corporations. They decided to vent their frustrations on Reddit. Consequently, they gave birth to a community known as “Antiwork,” proclaiming the motto “Unemployment for all, not just the rich!”. By sharing their own negative work experience and discussing poor working conditions, they aimed to help those trapped and exploited in their jobs.
Their actions weren’t pointless. Years later, this initially small movement has gathered nearly 1.8 million supporters. And it’s no longer just an online group. It’s a movement that employers talk about.
Recently, MyPerfectResume conducted a study to discover more about the anti-work movement.
Is it hopeless idealism or a realistic response to modern working life? What do we know about this community?
Movement in Numbers
The anti-work movement has expanded significantly over the past months. It’s not an obscure ideology anymore. In fact, their actions and beliefs echoed across the internet and media.
69% of MyPerfectResume’s respondents were familiar with the anti-work movement. People know that such a community is active online. And at the same time, they are also familiar with at least some theories anti-workers preach.
Surprisingly 48% of those surveyed identify with the movement, considering themselves active community members. Moreover, 19% of respondents who are not part of the anti-work intended to follow it in the future.
For sure, anti-work is a significant phenomenon with potential for further growth.
69% of MyPerfectResume’s respondents were familiar with the anti-work movement. People know that such a community is active online. And at the same time, they are also familiar with at least some theories anti-workers preach.
Surprisingly 48% of those surveyed identify with the movement, considering themselves active community members. Moreover, 19% of respondents who are not part of the anti-work intended to follow it in the future.
For sure, anti-work is a significant phenomenon with potential for further growth.
- Amongst the survey respondents, there was diverse support for anti-work, including men and women (48% of respondents within both gender groups).
- 58% of Master’s or Doctorate degree-holders, 49% of people with Bachelor’s degrees, and 18% of those without higher education.
- People with different political preferences, including 53% of Democrats, 50% of Republicans, and 36% of independent-leaning respondents.
- Residents of different regions. The region with the highest incidence of anti-work supporters was the West (59%), while the lowest was in the Midwest (39%).
Yet, the diversity is not surprising. Regardless of political leanings or where we live, people can experience poor working conditions and exhausting work culture and may doubt the purpose of work. And they find comfort amongst other community members.
But do they differ when it comes to anti-work theories? Of course, they do.
Beliefs Shaping the Community
People are fed up with their jobs. And this is the main reason why they decided to join the anti-work community. It is something that unites members. But like any other community, anti-workers have personal beliefs. Some of them are widely shared, while the others appeal to a smaller number of people. Some are idealistic, while others may be controversial.
Those who feel most exploited by their work and bosses hold more shocking views. Their negative experiences led them to think that:
Those who feel most exploited by their work and bosses hold more shocking views. Their negative experiences led them to think that:
- The anti-work motto "Unemployment for all, not just the rich" is appealing (55%).
- Work is modern slavery (54%)
- We should abolish work (53%).
- Work has no greater purpose (48%).
- Finances are the only reasons to work (65%).
However, there are some idealists who want to change the system. They agree that:
- The aim of every person should be searching for a happier way of working for a living (75%).
- Everyone should get help with their work-related struggles (71%).
- Society pressures employees to put an unhealthy emphasis and importance on work (66%).
- Labor rights should be the subject of intense scrutiny (63%).
- Work-free life is achievable (60%).
On the surface, it seems that anti-work only brings together people who are unhappy with the way the job market operates. But the above results perfectly demonstrate the two faces of the anti-work movement. On the one hand, its members want to ban labor and see no point in working at all, and on the other hand, they want to create a more human-centered work culture.
Anti-work is far from bringing together only unhappy people. The movement is about changing abusive economic systems designed to produce wealth for the few. And within its ranks are individuals who see meaning in work.
And that’s something that the MyPerfectResume study showed.
- 73% of respondents believe that work is a value in itself.
- 75% keeps a healthy work-life balance
- 73% admit that work gives them satisfaction
- 68% say work gives life meaning
People drive satisfaction from work. We cannot say that all anti-workers hate their jobs. They hate the negative work-related experiences, but not the work itself.
Is Work Happiness Achievable?
Yes, it is. We just need to find a balance in our lives. And, of course, give up a physically and emotionally exhausting job.
As Confucius said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
Having that in mind, we can change the job market. And if it doesn't work out, at least we change our lives.
As Confucius said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
Having that in mind, we can change the job market. And if it doesn't work out, at least we change our lives.
Author Bio
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Nina Pączka is a career advisor and job search expert at MyPerfectResume. Her professional advice, insight, and guidance help people find a satisfying job and pursue a career. Nina’s mission is to support jobseekers in their path to finding a perfect job. |
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