In physics, work is the transfer of energy that causes an object to move or change shape. It is calculated as the product of a force and the distance an object moves. It is only in very rare circumstances that something we would consider hard work actually occurs – pushing a wall without it moving doesn’t count as work, for example – but in reality, most of the time we do do work.
For an object to do work, the force acting on it must be greater than the force of friction and must cause an object to change its position – either up or down. This can be calculated using the Euler–Sinclair formula. The unit for measuring work is the joule (J), which is also used to measure energy.
It is also important to remember that work can be done in a number of different ways, including by a machine, an organism, or a natural phenomenon. When people refer to work, they usually mean paid employment but the term may also be applied to unpaid labour or to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.
Many of us spend a large proportion of our lives at work, and it can be difficult to separate our professional lives from our personal ones. This can be especially true for those who work from home. While working from home can provide a number of benefits, including more control over one’s schedule and less commute time, it can also be a drain on an employee’s mental and emotional resources.
Even for those who don’t work from home, major life events can take their toll on performance at work. Whether it’s dealing with a health issue, a family crisis, or a relationship dispute, these events can require considerable energy and focus. It’s best to allow yourself time to deal with these issues and re-center before returning to work.
When we speak of work, we often think of the things that make our jobs meaningful and worthwhile, but it is also worth considering the ways in which work changes us. Whether it is the time and energy it takes, the passions it has snuffed out, or the relationships it damages, work has the power to change us in profound and lasting ways. This is as true for those who are employed in formal jobs as it is for those who engage in more informal activities such as volunteering or caring for children. Work can be transformative, but it can also be numbing and exhausting. It is important to find balance and to make work a positive part of our lives, whatever form it takes.
