Living in Bad Faith: How Career Choices Can Erode Authenticity + the Role of Temporary Fixes

(A Note to My Readers

This blog marks venturing beyond photography into the fascinating world of psychology. Over the past few years, my growing interest in understanding human behavior, emotions, and existential dilemmas has inspired me to explore and share insights on topics that resonate deeply with many of us.

While photography remains my passion and primary focus, I find that delving into psychological concepts complements my work as it enhances the way I perceive and capture the human experience. I plan to write more on psychology in the future, alongside my photography blogs, to broaden the conversation and create a space for reflection and growth.

I hope this first piece sparks meaningful thoughts and discussions.)

In a world driven by societal norms, career expectations, and the pursuit of external validation, many individuals find themselves caught in a web of self-deception—a concept Sartre called bad faith. Living in bad faith occurs when a person deceives themselves to avoid confronting the anxiety and responsibility that comes with their true freedom and existence. It’s a way of escaping the overwhelming sense of freedom by pretending to be something they are not or adhering to roles imposed by others. When it comes to long-term career choices, bad faith can play a profound role in diminishing one's sense of authenticity, leading to a series of psychological struggles that can significantly impact mental well-being.

In existential terms, Jean-Paul Sartre argued that we are condemned to be free. This means that humans have no predetermined essence; we are responsible for creating our own identity through the choices we make. However, this freedom also brings an immense burden of responsibility. It is easier to ignore this responsibility and conform to societal expectations, which can cause people to lose touch with their authentic desires. Bad faith becomes a way of avoiding the anxiety that comes with this responsibility—particularly in the context of career choices, where the pressure to conform is often immense.

The Psychological Strain of Bad Faith in Career Choices

When individuals pursue a career path that does not align with their authentic self, they often experience cognitive dissonance. This is the mental discomfort that arises when one’s beliefs, values, or behaviors are in conflict. In the case of a career, individuals might feel trapped in a job that is financially rewarding, prestigious, or expected of them, but not fulfilling. The deeper, often unacknowledged, desire to do something more meaningful or in line with their true passions exists, but it is suppressed or ignored in favor of what is perceived to be safer or more socially acceptable.

This ongoing self-deception leads to psychological distress. Anxiety, depression, identity confusion, and a variety of other mental health issues can arise as the individual struggles to reconcile their authentic desires with the role they are playing. Over time, the stress of maintaining this false identity can lead to emotional exhaustion and a deep sense of dissatisfaction.

How Bad Faith Erodes Authenticity and Contributes to Mental Disorders

Living in bad faith by pursuing an inauthentic career path can lead to several mental health issues. Let’s explore how this process plays out and how it can manifest as mental disorders.

1. Anxiety

Existential anxiety is one of the most significant psychological consequences of living in bad faith. Sartre’s philosophy suggests that we are fundamentally free, and this freedom comes with the responsibility to make choices and create meaning in our lives. This burden of freedom can create anxiety, as people are confronted with the reality that their choices define who they are. However, instead of facing this freedom head-on, many individuals avoid it by conforming to external roles and expectations. This self-deception alleviates immediate anxiety but can create a deeper, more persistent unease over time.

2. Depression

Depression is another significant consequence of living in bad faith. When individuals suppress their true desires and live inauthentically, they can develop a sense of existential emptiness. This feeling of disconnection from their true self, coupled with the frustration of knowing they are not living the life they want, can lead to a pervasive sense of meaninglessness. Over time, this emptiness can lead to depressive symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and low energy.

3. Burnout

Burnout is another psychological consequence of living in bad faith. When individuals continuously invest their energy into a career that is not aligned with their authentic desires, they are at risk of emotional and physical exhaustion. This occurs because they are expending energy to maintain a false identity while simultaneously ignoring their true needs. Over time, this can lead to burnout, characterized by emotional fatigue, a lack of motivation, and a sense of being overwhelmed.

Medication and Psychedelics: Temporary Fixes to a Deeper Problem

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential therapeutic effects of marijuana and psychedelics, such as psilocybin mushrooms, for addressing mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout. While these substances show promise in providing temporary relief, they do not offer a long-term solution to the deeper existential conflict that arises from living in bad faith.

The Role of Marijuana

Marijuana is widely used for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects. For those feeling the mental strain of living inauthentically, marijuana can offer temporary solace by numbing emotional distress and providing a fleeting sense of relaxation. However, its effects are superficial and short-lived. While it may momentarily suppress the symptoms of anxiety or existential unease, marijuana does not address the root cause of these issues: the ongoing conflict between one's true desires and the roles they are playing in life. Moreover, over-reliance on marijuana as a coping mechanism can lead to dependency and further avoidance of addressing the deeper, underlying issues.

The Promise and Limitations of Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in certain mushrooms, has garnered significant attention for its potential to induce profound psychological and emotional experiences. Research suggests that psilocybin can help individuals confront suppressed emotions, gain insights into their behaviors, and experience a temporary dissolution of the ego. For those struggling with bad faith, a psilocybin experience might offer a glimpse of their authentic self, providing an opportunity to reflect on the disconnect between their true desires and their current life choices.

However, the effects of psilocybin are not permanent. While a psychedelic experience can be transformative, it often serves as a catalyst rather than a cure. The individual still needs to take actionable steps toward living authentically to maintain any insights or benefits gained during the experience. Without integrating these insights into their daily lives, the individual may find themselves slipping back into old patterns of self-deception and inauthenticity.

Moreover, psychedelics carry risks, especially for those with underlying mental health conditions or a history of trauma. The intensity of the experience can sometimes exacerbate anxiety or lead to psychological distress if not handled in a supportive and controlled environment. While psilocybin might provide a temporary reprieve from the symptoms of living in bad faith, it does not resolve the core issue of existential conflict and the need for authentic choices.

Temporary Fixes vs. Lasting Change

Both marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms can offer temporary relief from the emotional distress caused by bad faith, but they are ultimately bandaids for a much deeper issue. These substances may alleviate symptoms, provide insights, or create space for reflection, but they cannot make the hard choices necessary for authentic living. True healing and mental well-being require confronting the existential anxiety of freedom and taking responsibility for one’s life choices. This involves embracing one’s authentic self, reevaluating priorities, and making changes to align with one’s true desires and values.

Moving Toward Authenticity and Mental Well-Being

To mitigate the mental health consequences of living in bad faith, individuals must take active steps to confront their authentic desires and make choices that reflect their true selves. This process often requires self-reflection, courage, and a willingness to face discomfort. While substances like marijuana and psilocybin can serve as tools for introspection, they should not be relied upon as solutions. Lasting mental well-being comes from integrating insights gained during such experiences into real-world actions and embracing the freedom and responsibility that Sartre emphasized.

In conclusion, living in bad faith—particularly when it comes to career choices—can significantly contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Temporary fixes like marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms may provide relief or insights, but they do not address the root cause of the existential conflict. True mental health and fulfillment come from living authentically, taking responsibility for one's choices, and embracing the freedom to create a life that aligns with one's true self. Only through this process can individuals break free from the psychological toll of bad faith and achieve lasting well-being.