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We’ve moved from chasing mammoths to chasing “glory” in the boardroom. But in expecting our jobs to provide everything, we might be losing what we actually need.

We humans have come a long way. Over millennia, our identity, our expectations from life, and the very nature of “work” have radically evolved.

Our earliest nomadic ancestors were focused purely on survival. There was no “work-life balance” when you were running from a predator or searching for the day’s meal. Later, as farmers, the work was grueling, but the goal remained the same: sustenance.

As civilizations grew and labor specialized, a shift occurred. We became craftsmen, industrial workers, and eventually, knowledge workers. Suddenly, we developed unique skills that set us apart. Work stopped being just about survival; it became a major source of identity and pride.
The Rise of the “Career”

In modern, developed societies, this attachment to work has intensified. In our increasingly individualistic culture, we don’t just have jobs; we have careers.

We now feel entitled to and expect much more from our 9-to-5 than previous generations ever dared dream of. A salary and basic benefits are merely the baseline. Today, we are looking for meaning, glory, social status, deep relationships, creative outlets, a fun environment, and stellar work-life balance.

Imagine explaining “seeking a creative outlet at the office” to a coal miner during the industrial revolution. The contrast in working conditions is staggering. Yet, despite massive advancements in comfort and safety, modern employees report record levels of mental health issues and job dissatisfaction.

Why are we so unhappy when we have it so good?

The “Envy” Engine and the Expectation Trap

As Warren Buffett wisely noted, it’s not greed that makes the world go crazy; it’s envy.

The root of much modern workplace anxiety is unreasonable expectations and a lack of clarity about what we actually want. We are suffering from a severe case of wanting to have our cake and eat it too.

When looking at a job today, we see a buffet of potential benefits:

• Money
• Stability & Certainty
• Status & Glory
• Fun & Creative Outlets
• Work-Life Balance & Low Stress
• Meaningful Relationships
• Purpose & Impact

Here is the uncomfortable truth: You cannot have all of them at the same time.

In fact, many of these desires are mutually exclusive.

If you want high Status and Glory, you almost always have to sacrifice Stability, Work-Life Balance, and Low Stress. To achieve high rank involves taking risks and shouldering immense responsibility.

Conversely, as you grow in title and chase the high salary, you often have to give up the “fun,” the hands-on creative work, and sometimes even those meaningful peer relationships as you move into management.
The Cautionary Tale of Chasing “Glory”

A former coworker and friend of mine once quit a stable, high-paying job where he had reasonable status. Why? He wanted “glory.”

He joined a high-pressure new venture, expecting the stability and balance of his old role combined with the thrill and prestige of the new one. It was a classic case of unreasonable expectations. After a few years of intense struggle and resulting health issues, he gave me a piece of advice that stuck:

“Look for glory or fun outside work, and treat work as a way to earn a salary.”

His problem wasn’t wanting glory; his problem was wanting glory without the associated stress and risk.
Know What You Need

To reduce workplace anxiety, you must strip away unreasonable expectations. You need to look at that list of benefits and brutally prioritize. What matters most to you right now? And crucially, what are you willing to give up to get it?

Knowing the trade-offs will set you free. It stops you from feeling cheated when your high-status job is stressful, or your low-stress job isn’t covering you in glory.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Know what you need so you don’t lose it chasing what you merely want.