I found it interesting that finding the perfect job match doesn’t necessarily put one on the path toward long life. For me it seems like finding the perfect job would give you a greater chance at being successful because you would enjoy going to work everyday. It’s interesting to see that this is not the case, in fact most of the stress associated with jobs come from conflicts with other people rather than from the challenges of the job itself. Looking back on my work experience, I have found that I tend to like jobs more if the people there make work enjoyable. It would make sense that those with the most career success were the least likely to die young, but career success doesn’t just stem from occupational achievements, it also stems from the relationships and connections you make with your coworkers. In this particular chapter, I think that in regard to the work field the main component of whether someone is successful or not is dependent on healthy relationships with their coworkers.
It was also interesting to see that religiosity did not have much of an effect on men as it did on women. I wasn’t surprised that the least religious women were least likely to live a very long life. In my opinion, I feel like religion gives people a sense of purpose and motivation. I’m not saying that non-religious people don’t have a sense of purpose or motivation, I just think that religious people are more likely to help others and be more trusting of others. With this being said, I do agree with the book when it says the very religious women tended to be very friendly, but were also inclined to be worriers. I think that the survey they Terman participants took was a little subjective. The level of religiousness of a person is contingent on what they deem to be considered religious. For example, someone may think they are very religiously inclined, when in actuality they aren’t. It is hard to determine the extent to which someone is religious, therefore the results may have been skewed.
Maya- I found these points interesting as well. Before reading these chapters, I would have assumed that a person who works hard his/her entire life would not necessarily live a very long life. However, the chapter proves that this is not true and I actually found this to be comforting. I also noticed that my personal relationships played a very big role in determining how I feel/have felt about jobs I have had throughout my life. This makes sense to me though, because I feel that as humans, we function based on our interpersonal connections and place more importance on these than on anything else.
I agree with you in that religion gives people a sense of purpose and motivation. I will say, though, that I know a few people who are not religious at all, and this chapter made me wonder how they would be feeling as they read through this chapter. Although the chapter does not specifically say anything degrading or negative about those who are not religious, I feel as though it implies that it is healthier to be religious, and that those who are will have higher longevity rates, in general.
I agree with your point that enjoyable work often is most contingent on our coworkers. At the end of the day, some people can love what they do, but the people around them can be so toxic that the suck the joy out of the occupation and force competent and comfortable workers away.
To the point of religion, I understand the book was more so speaking to the social support piece, but I agree with you that it gives people a sense of purpose and motivation. I believe this can affect longevity. And church women do worry, haha, but it’s because they love us so much (and Jesus), of course.