I read something in Emerson years ago and now can't find the reference. He discusses the dilemma of youth deciding on a career where the world is morally tainted by global division of labor linking work to slavery, evil, etc. The passage demonstrates the timelessness of the struggle to free oneself of globally-linked work/consumption moral dilemmas and find 'meaningful work' and life in society.
I have downloaded an Emerson concordance, and I have found a letter (apparently written in 1843) that is listed as part of Emerson's Uncollected Works, which may be the source you are thinking of.
http://www.emersoncentral.com/a_letter.htm
I hope this is what you are looking for, but please resubmit your question if it is not and you would like me to keep looking.