Good Work

Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition

By: Paul Millerd

Narrated by: Paul Millerd

What if work isn't just something you do, but a portal to a life where you can feel fully alive?

In Good Work, Paul Millerd invites us to question everything we thought we knew about work. Paul traces his winding path through candid personal stories: from chasing elusive "good jobs," to desperately seeking escape from worldly responsibilities, to an unexpected discovery that changed everything. Sitting at a table halfway around the world, a profound question emerged: What if work doesn't have to suck? What if it can be the center of a life well-lived?

This isn't a book about climbing the corporate ladder or "crushing it" as a creator or entrepreneur. It's an exploration of what happens when you dare to question everything you've been told about work and its role in our life. Millerd shares his journey of opening himself up to questions like:

What truly constitutes "good work" beyond a job?

How might embracing uncertainty lead to fulfillment?

What lies beyond "losing your edge"? Is there a new source of motivation?

Can you prioritize family without sacrificing opportunity?

What is the most ambitious life path? Is it external or internal?

What began as an escape attempt became a mission to redefine work. Good Work challenges conventional wisdom, offering not a step-by-step guide, but a companion for those brave enough to question the status quo and seek a more ambitious life path.

©2024 Paul Millerd (P)2024 Paul Millerd

Outgrow your job-shaped assumptions

Paul's story invites us to challenge our assumptions about the push to get a 'good job' even when the work is unsatisfying. Who are we to think we could invest time working at something satisfying? Paul pushes on these questions by speaking from experience: "We tell ourselves that we should be grateful for our circumstances. We focus on the material outcomes that a good job provides. We identify more with our possessions than our selves. Deep down, we know it’s a lie. We have one life. Why spend it doing things you don’t want to do?"

With that question ringing in our ears, Paul declares his mission: "I want to see people live the lives they are capable of, not just the lives they think they are allowed to live.” By sharing details of his decision making and his process of discovering work that is enlivening to him, Paul encourages us to see where our "job-shaped assumptions" limit the possibilities of our lives.

Paul admits there is no prescription and that each person's path is unique. In addition to sparking a touch of good-natured envy, Paul's message leaves us inspired.

Question your work scripts

Listening to this book has altered my assumptions about good work. I am ready to author new work script for myself.

Good work can change your life

"Good Work" challenged and motivated me to rethink my approach to my career. Paul candidly shares that his journey to finding meaningful work wasn't easy or straightforward, but he is now much happier pursuing his passions rather than following a conventional corporate path. His insights on freelancing and consulting helped me better understand my own situation, potentially saving me a year in coming to this realization. Overall, I appreciated Paul’s open and vulnerable storytelling and look forward to discovering my own version of good work. This book is a valuable resource for anyone ready to carve their own path or seeking a break or sabbatical for reflection.

Inspiring!

An inspiring story and a fresh take on what it means and what it looks like to do good work. Great narration by the author makes it a fantastic and compelling listen. Highly recommend!