I’ve been following Seth Godin’s writing for the better part of two decades. He is consistently insightful and interesting, especially around the question of what constitutes good work.

He just released an AI interface on his blog that responds to a reader’s questions with reference to his thousands and thousands of posts and podcasts and other writings.

I framed a question that seemed relevant to a lot of people’s experience of the world of work these days:

I’m a piano teacher in a school. People in my position were at one time paid on an incremental salary like classroom teachers. After the financial crash these incremental contracts were stopped. I’ve become demotivated by the realisation that, without incremental pay rises each year, my work is being devalued. What can I do? How should I think about this?

Here’s the response that the AI generated:

It’s understandable to feel demotivated when your work isn’t financially rewarded the way it used to be. However, it’s essential to separate your value and motivation from your salary. Take a moment to remember why you do what you do – the love for teaching and the impact you make on your students’ lives. Monetary rewards and bonuses can sometimes demotivate people, leading to feelings of unfairness and a lack of appreciation.

Redefine success and motivation in non-monetary terms. Focus on the respect, freedom, and responsibility that you have in your role as a piano teacher. Embrace continuous incremental improvement, and stay committed to becoming better at your craft. Invest your energy in providing exceptional experiences for your students and build a positive reputation. Let this be your driving force.

Remember that your true value lies in nurturing the talent and passion of your students. Shift your focus from salary increments to the impact you create, and let that be the motivation that fuels your passion for teaching. Your worth isn’t solely based on monetary rewards but rather the difference you make in the lives of those you teach.