Why Do We Work? Understanding Different Motivations and Consequences

Introduction

Survival: For some, work is essential for meeting basic needs like paying rent and bills.
Exteriorization: Others work for material benefits and dopamine release from buying items.
Self-Actualization: Some see work as a means for personal development, e.g., David Goggins.
Care for Loved Ones: Example of Matsuri Takashi, who worked to support her single mother suspected of uterine cancer.

Born in an economically disadvantaged family in Shiga Prefecture.
Exceptional academic achievements to secure scholarships for junior and senior high school.
Accepted to Tokyo University through self-study and teacher support.
Balanced academics, part-time jobs, and volunteer work.

Joined Dentsu, Japan’s largest advertising agency, in April 2015.
Dentsu's influence in Japan: Dominance in advertising, mass media, and politics.
Historical downside: Proclivity to overwork employees, cases of Karoshi (death due to overwork).
Matsuri Takashi’s workload: Over 130 hours of overtime in October 2015.

Direct Harassment: By Hiroya Sasa, her superior. Constant negative remarks about her competency and appearance.
Overwork: Working from 7 AM to 4 AM with minimal sleep, leading to severe mental and physical strain.
Final Tweets: Expressed extreme despair due to constant overwork and harassment.

Committed suicide on December 25, 2015; left a message to her mother explaining the unbearable pressure.
Public Reaction: Widely reported as a case of Karoshi, sparking national debate.
Criticisms: Some figures like Professor Hasagawa criticized her for lacking perseverance.
Company's Initial Stance: Dentsu avoided acknowledging responsibility and provided no support for her funeral.
Legal Actions: Matsuri’s mother, with attorney Kawai Tohiroshi, sued Dentsu, revealing more details about the harsh work culture.

Surface Changes: Turned off office lights at night, created the Labor Environment Reform Office.
Removal of Incriminating Documents: Infamous Ten Commandments of Dentsu removed from employee training.
True Sentiment: Internal resistance to change; traditional hardcore “Dentsu Man” culture persists.

Economic Inequality and Education: Importance of private tutoring for university entrance exams in East Asia.
Corporate Culture: Extreme work expectations and hazing rituals common in some traditional Japanese companies.
Karoshi Prevalence: Thousands of cases each year, often kept quiet due to cultural shame and family preferences.

Support Systems: Importance of providing genuine support and encouragement to those struggling under extreme work conditions.
Work-Life Balance: Companies and societies must recognize the toll of overwork and enforce better standards.
Personal Dreams: Matsuri’s simple dreams (owning a house and a cat) emphasize the universal quest for a balanced, fulfilling life.