Question

People in society work in many different settings, and for a variety of reasons. What do you think is the main reason why people have jobs?

  • to feel happier about their lives

  • to save money for the future

  • to develop new skills

Use specific examples and details to support your answer.

Outline

Thesis Statement : The primary reason why people work is to earn money to financially support themselves and their families. While feeling happier and developing new skills can be beneficial, they are secondary to the necessity of earning income.

I. Introduction

  • Explanation of the reasons why people work
  • Clear thesis statement

II. Earning money to support oneself financially

  • Explanation of how income is necessary for basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare
  • Examples of people who work multiple jobs or long hours to make ends meet

III. Supporting families through work

  • Explanation of how income supports other people in addition to oneself
  • Examples of parents who work to provide for their children’s education and well-being

IV. Secondary benefits of working

  • Explanation of how feeling happier about one’s life and developing new skills can be beneficial
  • Examples of how a job that provides a sense of purpose or learning opportunities can improve one’s overall quality of life

V. Counterarguments

  • Possible arguments for why feeling happier or developing new skills may be the primary reasons why people work
  • Refutation of these arguments

VI. Conclusion

  • Recap of the primary reason why people work
  • Final thoughts on the importance of earning income for financial stability

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Model Essay

People work for various reasons. While some people may work to feel happier about their lives, develop new skills, or pursue their passions, the primary reason individuals have jobs is to earn money to support themselves and their families financially. In this essay, I will examine the reasons why financial support is crucial and highlight how secondary benefits, such as skill development and happiness, can improve overall quality of life.

Earning money is essential for meeting basic human needs, such as housing, food, and healthcare. The cost of living increases every year, and without income, these needs may become impossible to fulfill. Many individuals work multiple jobs and long hours to make ends meet. For instance, single-parent households often require significant financial support, and the best way to secure it is by working multiple jobs. In these scenarios, earnings from jobs represent the primary source of income and are vital for ensuring basic needs are met.

Additionally, income earned from jobs is crucial for supporting family members. Family members include children, elderly parents, and other dependents. Education, healthcare, and other life necessities are costly, and a job provides a reliable source of income to cater for these expenses. As such, people work to make sure their families are financially secure, which is essential, particularly for those with dependents.

Although earning an income may be the primary reason why people work, engaging in an enjoyable or purposeful job can also provide secondary benefits. A person who finds satisfaction from their work is more likely to have improved mental health, motivation, and dedication to their job. They may get a sense of purpose and fulfillment from their job, making them feel more satisfied with their lives than individuals who dislike their jobs. A job that provides opportunities for skill development can also lead to career advancement and higher pay, allowing individuals to maintain their financial security more sustainably.

In conclusion, while individuals may work to feel happier, develop new skills, or pursue passions, the primary reason for holding a job remains to earn money to financially support themselves and their families. A reliable source of income is necessary for meeting basic needs, such as housing, food, and healthcare, and supporting family members, including dependents. Therefore, people prioritize financial stability and security. Although secondary benefits such as skill development and happiness are beneficial, they are not the primary reason why people continue to work or choose certain careers. It is, therefore, essential to maintain financial stability, even when pursuing fulfilling life goals.