Stories about a future of work that works for all.

Welcome to The Life I Want, a new project by Christine Bader and Eva Dienel exploring stories that show a better future of work—one that enables the life you want rather than determining the life you’re stuck with.

We are examining work trends from the human lens: What is working for people, and what needs fixing so work works for everyone? We’re also profiling people, organizations, and communities that are redefining work so people are happier and more fulfilled at work and in their lives.

In this newsletter, you’ll find our first four blog posts, along with other articles and essays we’ve been reading (and writing).

We’re experimenting here, and we want your feedback. Tell us how you’d like to hear from us: Do you want to receive blog posts as they’re published, or do you prefer them aggregated in a newsletter (or both)? What do you think of the audio option in the blog about privilege? Who would you like to see profiled, and what topics do you want to explore? Email us at hello@thelifeiwant.co.

We would also love your help getting the word out about this project. Please share our newsletter and encourage others to sign up.

You can learn more about this project—and the journey we’re on—at www.thelifeiwant.co. We’re grateful that you’re here with us.

Until next time,

Eva & Christine

Additional items for your reading list:

• Christine spent four months experiencing a full rice cycle in Bali, and reflected on a sustainable life for the Amherst College Alumni Magazine.

• We loved this post by Elena Ferrante in The New York Times about the power of storytelling.

• Emily Anthes reported in the New Yorker on the “Positive Lexicography Project,” which is chronicling non-English words that describe different aspects of happiness.

• One of the Positive Lexicography Project words is Dadirri, from a Northern Territory Aboriginal group. Aboriginal Elder Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr describes it as “continuously making yourself aware of where you've come from, why you are here, where are you going now, and where you belong."

• Journalist Miles Howard wrote about how conversations focusing on the “dignity of work” glorify overwork. Instead, we should talk about the “dignity of life.”

• Millie Baylis wrote about how her chronic illness has taught her to find joy in a “slower, smaller life.”

• The World Health Organization has recognized burnout as an “occupational phenomenon.”

• Amy Westervelt and her family spreadsheeted their way to a happier life. (We also love her book, Forget Having It All: How America Messed Up Motherhood—and How to Fix It.)

• The good burghers at Reconsidered asked Christine three questions about social impact. Read her answers here.