The Dignity of Work
In the news, between the Trump tropes, there has been recent discussion on experimentation with universal income pilot projects in Oakland. Much of the conversation is happening in Silicon Valley, amongst successful venture capital folks. Kudos for at least having the conversation. It indicates an honest view through the past thick fog of hyped hot air from the Valley– “disrupt this, fast failure that, innovate everything everywhere” even if perhaps — well, it stills works well, ‘cause like, we know better. Thankfully, the conversation does finally identify the unintended consequences of the overheated pace of innovation without any consideration of long views.
But like much of Silicon Valley ventures solving “pain points” for 25 year old males missing their parents doing their laundry and other chores — this is like pushing mobile doggy washing, perhaps we should think through this a bit more. Like asking — does mobile doggy washing really add that much value? So if we are worried about obsoleting people through technology, instead of just assuaging our consciences with some minimum income scheme that is cheap penance for the lack of thoughtful business leadership — perhaps we should apply the same core principles and values across all humanity. In general, we are creative individuals, hungry to add value, leave a legacy for our children, find dignity in work. Yes, 99% of us want to work.
So why not, then, commit to training and retraining as part of corporate culture. Oh yeah, unfortunately, a corporate leader, or an investor might have to be patient. Or, just like washing your dog, you might have to do it yourself and it might be a smelly, messy job that takes longer than you think. I get it, many don’t have the patience in the current investment culture to work in their own backyard, with their own neighbors who might not have gone to the same schools, are on the same path, or might force you to wash and take care of your own. How boring it might all be. Current thinking is to find value in handcrafted coffee, express delivered — supporting the ever growing service sector. Personally, I would value a handcrafted guitar, still hand made here in the US. Can we get back to making real things, really made here? We all know that it’s all about labor costs and, well, many investors just don’t want to see money wasted on paying a fair wage for a practical item, made here in the US. They would prefer investing in mobile doggy washing.
Y Combinator? Y do this? You are looking at a problem, preferring a solution because it sounds exciting, is shiny and you look good in the mirrored reflection. Oh, and apparently “the government” is supposed to follow up. How disingenuous is this effort, especially given the new political climate. With a safety net being sliced to pieces beginning next year, there will be many people whose lives will be damaged. The size and role of “the government” in our lives and “the commons” is beyond debate stage, it is being scheduled for dismantling. “The government” will not be following up on much.
Silicon Valley elites, will you pursue progress on your terms or based on what people truly need — the dignity of work?In Oakland, there is an insurgence of tech companies. How well will those companies work with the community and create jobs for communities that have been historically ignored, disadvantaged?
Take a breath. Be a patient investor. Be a compassionate leader. Get your hands dirty. Work in your own backyard. And forget about mobile dog washing.
