Punished for Working is a collection of the experiences, thoughts, and feelings of a social service worker who has started to question the effectiveness of the services that the government provides when it comes to encouraging independence and self-sufficiency. The book explains how receiving free services through assistance programs obscures the benefits of working, sometimes causing problems that extend over generations.

Punished for Working infuses real-life scenarios with humor, showing that, maddeningly, not only has work become less appealing but a worker may even suffer for engaging in it. Some of the scenarios presented here are so incredible that readers may laugh to keep from crying. This book is not for the squeamish, and its purpose is to stimulate conversation. The author travels down streets most wouldn't dare to go to consider the mindset in the United States now that assistance programs have replaced the desire to work and punishment for those who do.