A Labor Of Love: How Embracing Our Jobs Like “Emily In Paris” Can Address An $8.9 Trillion Challenge

Can I be honest? I LOVE rom coms. They transport me to a place of joy and happiness. Despite its persistence on my watchlist, I initially resisted watching the Netflix series Emily in Paris. However, after a strong recommendation from a friend, I indulged in what I thought would be a brief viewing experience. Yet, I couldn’t stop myself from clicking the “next episode” button – consuming four and a half seasons in just two days. As I await the second part of season four, I find myself reflecting on the powerful tension between passion for one’s work and the concept of labor itself. Said differently, while I love rom coms, I can’t always say that I love “laboring” at work.

An 8.9 Trillion Dollar Problem

It turns out that I’m not alone in grappling with this dichotomy. According to Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace report, only 23% of employees globally are “engaged” in their jobs – meaning they enjoy what they do. This means that 62% are not engaged, and a concerning 15% are actively disengaged. The sad part is that this is a record high, suggesting that dissatisfaction in the workplace is still more prevalent than ever! Furthermore, nearly 52% of employees are passively or actively looking for new employment. This widespread disengagement is not just a personal or organizational issue; it is a global economic challenge. Gallup estimates that low engagement costs the world economy $8.9 trillion annually, approximately 9% of global GDP.

Labor Day: More Than a Mere Holiday

The juxtaposition of these statistics with the upcoming Labor Day holiday is particularly poignant. Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of September, is a tribute to American workers’ social and economic contributions. The holiday, which traces its origins to the late 19th century, was first recognized by individual states—beginning with Oregon in 1887—before becoming a national holiday in 1894. Although the exact origins of Labor Day are debated, with figures like Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire both credited as potential founders, the essence of the holiday remains clear: it is a celebration of labor and the myriad ways workers have shaped our society. For more details, visit the Department of Labor.

Emulating Emily: Cultivating Passion in the Workplace

Given the contrast between our idolized protagonist (aka professional role model) and the grim statistics from the Gallup report, one might wonder how we all fall in love with our jobs, work, and careers, as Emily did in Paris. Despite her new Parisian life’s cultural clashes, misunderstandings, and personal challenges, Emily maintains an unwavering love for her job. Here’s how you can channel your inner Emily and fall in love with your job, no matter the industry or challenges you face.

• Embrace New Experiences – Emily’s journey in Paris is all about embracing the unfamiliar. She dives headfirst into a new culture, language, and work environment. Start by taking on tasks or projects outside your comfort zone. Whether learning a new skill, working with a different team, or suggesting innovative ideas, stepping into the unknown can reignite your passion for your job.

• Infuse Creativity into Your Work- Emily’s creativity is a driving force behind her love for her job. Whether crafting a clever social media campaign or finding a new way to approach a problem, she consistently brings a fresh perspective to her work. Look for ways to add a creative twist to your work. This could be as simple as redesigning your workspace, brainstorming innovative solutions, or experimenting with new methods. Creativity can spark joy and rekindle your passion for your job.
• Stay True to Yourself- Throughout the series, Emily remains unapologetically herself. She doesn’t compromise her values or personality, even when conforming might be easier. Staying true to who you are can make your work more fulfilling, as you’ll align your job with your personal values and strengths. Identify your core values and find ways to incorporate them into your work. Whether through ethical decision-making, prioritizing work-life balance, or advocating for causes you believe in, staying true to yourself can lead to greater job satisfaction.

Further Considerations for Managers and Employees

For those seeking to deepen their engagement with work, I recommend considering the following best practices that we use with our clients at both the Noble Story Group and The National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators:

• Circadian Rhythm – Determine the time of day when you are most productive and schedule your most challenging tasks accordingly.
• Career Mapping – Outline a 3–5-year career goal and create a roadmap for the next 1-2 years to achieve that objective.
• Separatist vs. Integrationist – Reflect on whether you prefer to maintain a clear boundary between your personal and professional lives or integrate the two more fluidly. (e.g., do you prefer a work phone and a separate personal phone or just one phone for both your professional and personal life?)
• Self-limiting mindsets – Identify your tendencies, such as overextending yourself, struggling to set boundaries, or failing to achieve true productivity despite being constantly busy.
• Create A Culture of Thriving at Work– Have you ever tried a self-care check-in with your teams? Noble Story Group offers a tool that you can try out at your next meeting.

So, whether you’re navigating the streets of Paris or your local office, remember that falling in love with your job is less about the perfect circumstances and more about your perspective. After all, if Emily can thrive in a world of baguettes and berets, surely, we can find our own version of joie de vivre in the daily grind. Who knows? Maybe the next big idea, career leap, or moment of joy is just one “next episode” away.