What your job and porn have in common

In the adult film industry, there is a common piece of advice for newcomers: when deciding what genres and roles to take, follow this rule: if you wouldn't do it for free at home, don't do it for money.

I believe that this principle applies to any kind of work. Whether you're building neural networks, brewing coffee, designing websites, or writing news stories, every task can be evaluated using the 'at home for free' rule.

Ask yourself honestly: if you didn't have this job, would you spend all day at home doing spreadsheets for free? Would you rabbet the wood for free? Write copy for fun? Be available to customers from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for no pay? Write fake reviews for brands? Draw just for the sake of it? There's no right answer — it all comes down to your personal limits and preferences, which, like porn, are entirely individual.

If your answer is yes, great! You're doing something that matches your internal filter. The task (or job) fits your subjective perspective and values.

If your answer is no, it's time to rethink. This task (or job) is probably at odds with your inner self. Pushing through will only lead to frustration, constant exhaustion, and psychological strain.

Don't be afraid to use this filter and say no to tasks or roles that don't pass muster. Remember, you don't have to.