What Not Working Will Do To You

Last week I discussed the benefits of work, benefits that extended far beyond the paycheck.  This week I will briefly describe the negative effects of not working.

The first and most obvious negative effect is the absence of any of the aforementioned positive effects of working.  But beyond that, employers show extreme reluctance to hire job candidates who have been unemployed for extended periods of time.  This administration’s removal of the welfare to work requirement and generous welfare system have disincentivized actively seeking a job. Thus many become unemployed for long periods of time.  This entitlement culture harms both our economy and our national character.  Fewer people contribute to the economy, while society as a whole values work less.

Indeed, we have indirectly propagated what Arthur Brooks calls “learned helplessness.”  He borrowed this term from psychologist Martin Seligman, using it to describe a defect in our national character.  Learned helplessness refers to the psychological state that results from merit not dictating rewards and punishments.  Significantly, this condition involves both rewards and punishments (not just punishments).  Studies show that free money does not improve happiness in a meaningful way.  A healthy welfare state encourages potential workers to remain unemployed, while not enhancing their overall happiness.  This phenomenon is rampant in Europe.  Instead of pursuing employment, people claw for every benefit they can, protesting vigorously when any seem threatened.  Yet despite these extensive entitlements, their overall happiness is plummeting.  We have a chance to counteract this trend in our country, but the window of opportunity is vanishing.