Podcast Summary: How to Money
Episode: "The Good Enough Job w/ Simone Stolzoff (Bestie Ep) #1007"
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Hosts: Joel & Matt
Guest: Simone Stolzoff

Introduction

In the milestone episode #1007 of "How to Money," hosts Joel and Matt welcome Simone Stolzoff, the author of the upcoming book The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work. This episode delves deep into the intricate relationship between individuals and their careers, exploring themes such as work identity, the cultural valorization of jobs, and strategies for achieving a balanced and fulfilling professional life.

Simone Stolzoff's Journey to The Good Enough Job

Simone Stolzoff begins by sharing his personal realization of overvaluing his work, a journey that ultimately led to the creation of his book. Around [06:48], Simone recounts a pivotal moment in his late twenties when he faced a career crossroads between a writing position at a digital magazine and a design role at a global agency. This dilemma wasn't just about choosing between two jobs but was an existential challenge that made him question how his identity was intertwined with his professional life.

Simone Stolzoff ([06:48]): "It really didn't feel like I was choosing between two jobs as much as I was choosing between two versions of me."

Historical and Cultural Context of Work Identity

Joel prompts Simone to provide a historical perspective on how careers have become central to personal identity, especially in the American context. Simone explains that the Protestant work ethic and capitalism have deeply ingrained the belief that being productive and hardworking defines one's American identity. He highlights that over the past 50 years, economic stagnation for lower-income groups and the intertwining of employment with healthcare and tax benefits have intensified this work-centric culture.

Simone Stolzoff ([09:03]): "From the beginning, being American was synonymous with your ability to be a productive member of society or to be able to work hard."

Matt adds that this American work culture is beginning to influence global perceptions of work ethic, likening it to exporting cultural norms akin to fashion brands like Levi's.

Work as a Substitute for Religion

The conversation shifts to the role of work in providing meaning and community, traditionally fulfilled by religion. Simone points out the decline in religiosity in America—from over 90% in the 1950s to nearly one-third today—and how this vacuum has led many to seek fulfillment and identity through their jobs instead.

Simone Stolzoff ([12:23]): "Religion is less easily falsifiable, and by having other sources of meaning, we're able to just bounce back."

Matt raises concerns about the over-reliance on work for meaning, especially highlighted during the pandemic when remote work altered many people's relationship with their jobs.

Impact of the Pandemic on Work Identity

Simone acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a wake-up call, forcing individuals to reassess their dependence on work for identity and purpose. The sudden shift to remote work and the prevalence of layoffs made it evident that anchoring one's sense of self solely to their career can be precarious.

Simone Stolzoff ([14:43]): "People who were over-indexed and looking to work as a source of identity and meaning in their life were rude awakening."

Diversifying Identity Beyond Work

One of the core themes Simone introduces is the importance of diversifying one's identity to build resilience and personal fulfillment. Drawing an analogy to investment portfolios, he emphasizes that just as diversifying investments minimizes risk, cultivating multiple aspects of one's identity—such as being a friend, parent, or community member—enhances overall well-being.

Simone Stolzoff ([17:16]): "Identities are like plants; they need time and intention in order to grow."

Simone discusses research on "self complexity," which suggests that having varied roles and identities makes individuals more resilient to setbacks in any single area of their lives.

Consumerism and Financial Resilience

Joel and Matt explore the intersection of consumerism and personal finance, discussing how the pressure to keep up with societal standards can lead to financial instability, even among high earners. Simone connects this to the broader theme of work, arguing that overemphasis on career success often comes at the expense of financial prudence and personal happiness.

Simone Stolzoff ([33:18]): "Consumerism is prevalent in America, and the pressure to always be spending and keeping up with the Joneses often undermines long-term financial resilience."

Workplace Relationships and Boundaries

The hosts and Simone delve into the dynamics of workplace relationships, questioning the often-touted idea of treating coworkers as family. Simone argues that while camaraderie at work can enhance job satisfaction, over-reliance on workplace relationships for personal identity can lead to vulnerability, especially when employment becomes unstable.

Simone Stolzoff ([36:54]): "If your workplace is your sole source of community, you are prone to be blown over by events like layoffs or managerial changes."

Joel shares a personal anecdote about workplace recognition programs, highlighting how superficial rewards can perpetuate unhealthy work dynamics and personal compromises.

Practical Strategies for Achieving a "Good Enough Job"

Simone offers actionable advice on setting boundaries and redefining one’s relationship with work. He emphasizes the distinction between "boundaries" (individual efforts to limit work's encroachment) and "guardrails" (structural supports provided by employers or policies). Simone advocates for a transactional view of work, where jobs are seen primarily as economic exchanges rather than sources of identity or meaning.

Simone Stolzoff ([40:45]): "Treating work as a necessary evil is not a recipe for fulfillment, nor is treating it solely as an economic contract. It's about finding a balance that aligns with your personal values."

He also discusses the importance of active leisure and community involvement in cultivating a diversified identity, advising listeners to engage in activities where their professional role doesn't define their participation.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Joel and Matt reflect on Simone's insights, agreeing on the necessity of balancing professional obligations with personal growth and community engagement. They highlight the importance of recognizing one's "good enough job" as a subjective benchmark tailored to individual needs and values.

Joel ([61:04]): "When he said all of our identities need investment, I thought that was great. It's like our house plants need water, our identities need care."

Simone promotes his book, The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work, encouraging listeners to explore further strategies for achieving a balanced, fulfilling professional and personal life.

Notable Quotes:

1. Simone Stolzoff ([06:48]): "It really didn't feel like I was choosing between two jobs as much as I was choosing between two versions of me."

2. Simone Stolzoff ([09:03]): "From the beginning, being American was synonymous with your ability to be a productive member of society or to be able to work hard."

3. Simone Stolzoff ([12:23]): "Religion is less easily falsifiable, and by having other sources of meaning, we're able to just bounce back."

4. Simone Stolzoff ([17:16]): "Identities are like plants; they need time and intention in order to grow."

5. Simone Stolzoff ([33:18]): "Consumerism is prevalent in America, and the pressure to always be spending and keeping up with the Joneses often undermines long-term financial resilience."

6. Simone Stolzoff ([36:54]): "If your workplace is your sole source of community, you are prone to be blown over by events like layoffs or managerial changes."

7. Simone Stolzoff ([40:45]): "Treating work as a necessary evil is not a recipe for fulfillment, nor is treating it solely as an economic contract. It's about finding a balance that aligns with your personal values."

Key Takeaways

• Reassess Work Identity: Evaluate how much your job defines your sense of self and explore ways to diversify your identity beyond your career.

• Understand Historical Context: Recognize the cultural and economic factors that have historically linked work with personal identity, especially in the American context.

• Diversify Sources of Fulfillment: Engage in various roles and activities outside of work to build a more resilient and fulfilling personal life.

• Set Clear Boundaries: Develop both personal boundaries and advocate for structural supports in the workplace to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

• Adopt a Transactional View of Work: View your job primarily as an economic exchange, which can help mitigate over-reliance on work for personal meaning and identity.

For more insights and practical advice on balancing work and personal life, listen to the full episode of How to Money on your preferred podcast platform.