“In drawing together research from journalism, film, television, music, games, advertising and platform-based creator economies, Deuze synthesises a substantial body of evidence demonstrating the extent to which creative work is increasingly associated with anxiety, burnout, insecurity and emotional exhaustion. At the heart of the book lies a paradox that structures much contemporary creative labour: the same characteristics that make creative careers meaningful also make workers vulnerable to self-exploitation.”

“Well-Being and Creative Careers is a compelling read, propelled by a sense of mission on the author’s part. He makes clear his personal investment in the topic as a musician, journalist, and professor whose students represent the next generation of media workers and for whose future prospects he cares. . . .  Deuze’s book represents a timely intervention in those larger questions of what is in store for the fundamental concepts of ‘career,’ ‘talent,’ and ‘creativity’ at this historical juncture. Well-being and Creative Careers opens up a range of interesting questions about the meaning of creative work in the age of ‘content,’ and about the possible structural incentives for improved business practices across media and creative industries.”