Value creation, bullshit jobs, and the evolving nature of employment
By
May 21, 2026
Toasted just enough. A reliable bake, gently seasoned.
Summary
The article explores the concept of value creation in employment, arguing that jobs are created when hiring authorities believe the value generated exceeds wages paid. It references David Graeber's concept of "bullshit jobs" — pointless or unnecessary employment that even the worker cannot justify. The piece reflects on the creation of billions of jobs over a lifetime and questions what constitutes genuine value versus perceived value in the labor market.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWe create a job whenever someone with the authority to hire decides the value created is greater than the wages paid.
In my lifetime, we've invented 7 billion or more jobs, which is great news.
David Graeber defined a bullshit job as 'A form of paid employment that is so completely pointless, unnecessary, or pernicious that even the employee cannot justify its existence, even though, as part of the conditions of employment...'
You might also wanna read
Sergey Brin tells Google AI staff 60-hour workweek is the 'sweet spot' for productivity
Sergey Brin, Google cofounder, wrote an internal memo to employees working on the Gemini AI products recommending a 60-hour workweek as the
fortune.com·7h agoSergey Brin tells Google AI staff 60-hour workweek is the 'sweet spot' for productivity
Sergey Brin, Google cofounder, wrote an internal memo to employees working on the Gemini AI products recommending a 60-hour workweek as the
fortune.com·7h ago
Tech Companies Stock Offices with Nicotine Products to Boost Employee Productivity
Tech companies like Palantir and Hello Patient are stocking office vending machines with nicotine products (pouches from startups Lucy and S
fortune.com·18h agoTech Companies Stock Offices with Nicotine Products to Boost Employee Productivity
Tech companies like Palantir and Hello Patient are stocking office vending machines with nicotine products (pouches from startups Lucy and S
fortune.com·18h ago
Why Traditional Employment May Be Intellectually Unhealthy
The article argues that traditional employment (having a boss) is intellectually unhealthy, drawing a parallel to how modern diets are physi
paulgraham.com·19h ago
AI-Driven Layoffs Create Unrecognized Grief Crisis Among Tech Workers
The article examines the psychological and emotional toll of AI-driven job displacement on tech workers, arguing that the experience closely
jackmaguire.org·1d ago