[throwaway5752]

I'm with you. The context was explicit and obviously intended to be work-oriented. Obviously friends and family should rate higher than work. But this detracts from the intended discussion.

My most rewarding professional experience have come from 1) working with a respectful and high-standards team 2) solving a real world problem that is either new or inadequately address by current solutions 3) where I have a really clear idea of the value I add and see how I contribute.

[scarecrowbob]

I agree with you about the context.

I don't agree that many people draw the same obvious conclusion that family and friends rate higher that paid work-- note that in your response you explicitly draw a distinction between them that isn't necessary.

So while I understand you have an implicit bias towards saying that domestic labor isn't work, and while I understand that this bias permeates not only the question but our culture at large, I disagree that this bias is necessary.

And I feel like challenging that implicit bias is a worthwhile use of my time, so thank you for allowing me to make this specific and tiny project a little more explicit in my own mind.

[throwaway5752]

So while I understand you have an implicit bias towards saying that domestic labor isn't work, and while I understand that this bias permeates not only the question but our culture at large, I disagree that this bias is necessary.

Yeah, no. I think we do all sorts of things and they are all "real work". But it falls into different areas. This particular area was about professional projects & jobs. In case this is an English language thing, it is common vernacular to call one's paid employment "work" without making a value judgement on other activities.

I think domestic work is extremely important and real work (and frankly, resent the heck out of your implication otherwise). You didn't mention self-improvement and education or charity, either, but I wouldn't be rude enough to imply you don't value those by not including them.