Does thinking about how much money you make fill you with anxiety? Many of us have had those feelings - we're not making enough, or we are making enough but we're not sure it will last.
Two researchers from the University of Toronto recently quantified that effect by asking subjects listen to "The Flower Duet" from the opera Lakme. Some of the subjects were asked to figure their income while listening to the piece, while others did a meaningless mathematical calculation. The people who weren't forced to think about their income enjoyed the music at a rate of 70 on a scale of 100; those figuring their income enjoyed it at a rate of 63 out of 100.
On the other hand, the social scientists found that people who were getting paid for the task enjoyed it more than those who weren't. Some of the subjects were paid a small amount for listening to "The Flower Duet," while others weren't. Those who got paid reported a greater enjoyment of the piece. So even if your paycheck is causing you angst, it's making the work you do slightly more palatable.
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