are we doomed to compete at work?

Hi friends!

I had a great, busy weekend at the san francisco writer’s conference. I met so many people & learned so much. It was an interesting atmosphere, though; everyone seemed friendly and excited to meet each other, but was also vying for the attention of industry professionals.

It’s no secret that the book publishing industry has gotten hyper-competitive in recent years, as sales have dwindled but more people than ever are pitching to publishers with the ease of internet access. as one presenter put it to us starkly: of the 300 or so people in the room, statistically, only two would end up with a book deal with the ‘big four’ (most famous) publishing houses.

But surprisingly, that statement didn’t make the room feel competitive, or at least not to me. Even though many of us were theoretically rivaling for slim opportunities, the air in the room felt hopeful and excited. There was camaraderie in all facing an uphill battle together.

Even in superficial moments, when social media handles were exchanged or attendees boasted about their successes, people were genuinely happy for each other.

I think the reason is simple: there was an underlying understanding that the successes of our friends and peers would help, not hurt, our own success. 

By following each others’ socials (while ubiquitously complaining about social media), or celebrating each others’ successes, we were boosting our own careers, too. Having a friend who goes onto great literary success might provoke jealousy, but it also gives you a stronger connection, a chance to have a more famous author review your book, a greater reach between each others’ audiences.

does a competitor’s success benefit you, too?

In one panel, author Eirinie Carson used the ‘lift all boats’ metaphor to describe this.

The phrase is usually attributed to JFK and free market economics, and the idea that if we improve the economy as a whole, everyone will benefit (a different metaphor for the ‘trickle down’ effect.

But I’ve started to hear this ‘lift all boats’ analogy being used in a new way — suggesting that if we all work to improve our collective conditions, it will benefit us as well; that one person’s rise can fuel another’s. in this case, it’s not saying we shouldn’t have social & economic support systems, but rather that success — whether it’s in your career, personal life, hobbies, etc. — is a communal process. 

so can we make success reflexive?

What do you think? is it based on the industry? or is it based on a mindset, serving as a practice we can cultivate.

personal updates

it’s looking like a busy month: this conference, starting a new part-time job at a local museum educating kids about nature, pet sitting, visiting a good friend (hi eva) in oregon, and catching up on doctors’ appointments.

all good things, though. i’m feeling refreshed & refocused.

thank you so much to everyone who’s already become a paid subscriber! your support really means the world to me. this is often solitary work, so i love hearing from you all, in one way or another.

& a big welcome to everyone who joined our community over the weekend! feel free to introduce yourself in the comments (click the comment icon on the top right of the email).

Stay warm, stay cool, much love,

jasper