The Problems of Work

The book consists of 200 pages. Of these, roughly 75 are appendixes (such as "further studies", "glossary", etc). The remaining 125 pages has been compiled from various L. Ron Hubbard writings. The book starts with a chapter on insecurity and confusion. Hubbard argues that these thing happen because man lacks a stable reference point in life (which he calls "stable datum"). He explains that the purpose of the book is to provide the stable datum: "I understand about life and jobs. Therefore I can get, hold and improve them." Some chapters might be confusing for the person not previously accustomed to Scientology teachings. This includes such methods as the tone scale and the ARC triangle (Affinity + Reality + Communication = Understanding). If you want to know more about those, you can read about those on wikipedia or search google. However, the chapters with practical advices do build on the scientology methods. Hubbard explains the importance of Reality for the clerc who sits behind the desk all day, or the politician who has lost touch with the common people, or the executive who has lost touch with the workers. To get back reality, he says, the worker should physically touch the objects around him, or the salesman going around just looking at people at e.g. a trainstation. Hubbard writes much about the importance of work and how it is essential to allow people the right to work. He criticises the society of today for not allowing people to work, and claims that when people are not allowed to work -- starting at home -- they will later become lazy and mischievous, possibly criminal. He also believes that it is in everyone's nature to want to work, and only after having been denied the natural desire for meaningful work does a man lose interest in it. Another chapter deals with the importance of control. How a worker must be able to control the tools around him in order to be succesful, be it a pen, a motorcycle, an industrial machine or dealing with other people. When losing the feeling of control, a man might start to fear his tools and will not be able to perform to the best of his abilities. Basically, what the book wants to say is that the ability of a man to keep and succeed in his job depends on himself: "Those who depend on luck generally experience bad luck", Hubbard writes in the final chapter.

I started reading this book because I had some difficulties at work. Oh, my God! This book was exactly what I needed. It explained why I had those difficulties and how to handle them. On top of that I know where exhaustion comes from and how to handle it. I feel a lot more at cause now at work and really know what's expected of me and how I can create my own future and become more stable. It's a great book, easy to read it and has a great glossary.

I first read parts of this book years ago and I only retained a few basic pieces of information. One such being how to overcome exhaustion has been very helpful to me. I recently read the book again and have been using it at work. It has been great!

After I read this book I became a much better, more efficient, more thorough, more productive employee. Eventually I had to get another job because mine wasn't a challenge anymore. I wanted more responsibility and a place where I could move up.

Work made easy. This book talks about work in society and its how individuals fit into the picture. Tells strategies for confronting and succeding in the workplace.