ABSTRACT
Work is about being able to commit to an activity and having it matter. Working, whether alone or in a team, stirs up many of the familiar issues already encountered early on: issues of rivalry, envy and jealousy in relation to parents and to siblings–all these are stirred up in the work situation and can lead to difficulties in learning and in work. To work well we need to be able to learn from the others and value what they have to offer. But this can stir up envy and, if it is felt strongly, then we can denigrate what is on offer and feel rather superior. Work includes allowing something in life to really matter, the worth of which is not about pleasing anyone else and may be separate from financial gain: taking the risk of really trying and risking that the result will not be as perfect as analysts might wish.
