_“You Americans are just wired differently.”_ I was with one of my French cousins, reminiscing about our summer trips to the South of France. Our families would spend two weeks together for nearly 20 years. My cousin remembered how he wanted to do 13-year-old kid stuff. Like sleep in, play Gameboy and read a few graphic novels. But no. This American (_yours truly_) had different plans. And I imposed them on my cousins. I came armed with coding books and chess opening moves. Not to mention a strict regimen of dips, push-ups and sit-ups. Even as a 13-year-old, I was obsessed with boosting my “market value.” ![Blog post image](/images/blog/WhatsApp-Image-2024-04-04-at-14.49.27-1024x741.jpeg)Did we do enough sit ups? ## My unhealthy obsession with inputs The teenage years weren’t kind to me. I was a giant nerd who only got kissed during games of _spin the bottle_. But I deeply believed that I could change my life circumstances. As long as [I kept building skills.]() Skills would translate to money. [Money to status.]() Which would give me what I wanted so desperately – to be loved. From a ripe age, I’ve obsessively done things to better myself. * I read endless books on business, investing, and soft-skills * I listened to thousands of [self-improvement podcasts]() – at 2x speed * I worked out like a beast – Crossfit, boxing, power lifting, surfing. * I [networked 15x a week](). And made [countless MBIs](). I viewed myself as a stock. Every single one of those activities would boost my value in the competitive market of jobs (and romantic relationships). ## Not a single minute was wasted The upleveling of skills was only one part of the equation. On the other side, I avoided anything that would “detract” from my market value. I avoided leisure. Whether it was reading literature or binging on Breaking Bad. Heck, I’ve only watched 7 non-Pixar movies in the past decade (And I’m embarrassed to admit that most of my leisure was [accompanied by alcohol.]()) But my market value equation was a bulletproof one. ## Are humans just tradable commodities? I’m not denying the effectiveness of this approach. It enabled me basically [semi-retire at age 35.]() And I’d probably do it again. But there were also costs. [High-blood pressure.]() Alcohol. [Alopecia](). Grinding off all the enamels of my teeth in my sleep. And the inability to just _do nothing_ and BE with my family. ## Becoming [Post-Achievement]() means breaking the cycle I give myself grace as I reflect back on this [intense work ethic.]() I also recognize that there’s a bigger force at play here – the system that we play in. Now trust me, I’m no _capitalism antagonist._ But if we’re all fish swimming in a capitalist economy – we should look at the water. In the book [The Burnout Society](), the South Korean philosopher Byung Chul-Han argues that the “water” is Neo-liberalism. > We’re no longer workers, we’re “entrepreneurs of ourselves” – commodities (i.e. human capital) that also can be transacted upon using the mechanisms of the free-market. Therefore we give ourselves a “market value” which fluctuates based upon productivity, performance, success and achievement. This sets the stage for what Han calls _Self-Exploitation_. Where knowledge workers are constantly investing and improving themselves (um, [hello podcasts at 2x speed]()). We internalize the pressure to perform and excel. And unlike the clear _oppressor-oppressed relationship_ in traditional forms of exploitation (i.e. capital versus labor), self-exploitation makes it difficult for individuals to recognize the source of their stress and fatigue. ## Should you stop caring about your market value? No. Unless you want to fully opt-out of the system. But there are 2 things to remember. First, your market value will never capture large swaths of your life. Like your ability __to love and be loved.__ Second, boosting your market value won’t fix your flaws or [heal your insecurities.]() And finally, there’s the good ol’ tombstone test. When it’s all said and done, do you want it to say: > He was one of the world’s best investors. * * * ## Are you a high-earner going through a career transition? Find purpose, navigate money scarcity and reimagine ambition with our Group Coaching program. [Apply today]()