'Work for' vs. 'Work with'

If you’re working age, chances are you’ve said it before. When someone asks “What do you do for work?”, you reply “Oh, I work for so and so”. And if you’re a stubborn wordsmith like me, then you’ve probably questioned your use of the phrase “for” in your responses to such questions.

Years ago I challenged the notion of using the word “for” to refer to my employment relationships, and started saying I work “with” so and so, whenever I referred to my employer.

Like many entrepreneurially-minded folks, I did this to make the distinction that I only ever work “for” myself and my family. And I only ever work “with” other people or organizations, like whoever my employer might be at a given time.

My argument was that we all go to work for economic security. We need to pay bills, of course. But we’re not beholden to any employer. We’re partners in the relationship–our employers pay us money in exchange for our time and skills.

I’m an outspoken person who thinks a lot about mundane, obscure philosophical shit like this–perhaps too much. So, when people would hear my reasoning behind my language, they’d usually acquiesce and agree it made sense to them.

Of course, it’s easy for employees to agree with this sentiment when they themselves don’t pledge any allegiance to their jobs either. However, today (Wed, Nov 12, 2025), I am going back to saying I work “for” others.

Here’s why…

While I don’t have an employer anymore these days, if I did, I would have no problem saying I work “for” them.

And, I will say I work for others from now on, regardless of the finer details of the relationship.

Reason being: When I say I work “for” someone, I’m really saying I work for that person or organization’s success.

It’s a way for me to signal to others that I am a servant–and my work is to support.

My old preoccupation with this language was one of self-centeredness. It was me saying “I’m no wage slave.”

But, in reality, no employer–at least no rational one–ever looks at you or I as their property. The best employers understand very well that you are an asset to their organizations and they are lucky you’ve chosen to spend your nonrenewable time enriching their missions.

They might not pay you millions; hell, they might not even pay you your market worth, but they do pay you.

And this, my friend, is a blessing.

So, next time you’re asked that oh-so-common question, you can answer proudly that you work for a company knowing that you’re dignity is retained and you are always valued.