I don’t hate my job. I hate that I have to have a job.
I was self-employed for nearly 17 years because I got lucky more than once. Then the world of software changed and it seems I ddn’t. So I spent 2 years looking for a new gig. And I found one. And now I can pay my bills again and buy food and keep the mortgage up to date—and even improve the house a bit. And afford health insurance. But unless I get lucky again, I will probably be forced to have a job from now on.
Even my little rebellions only happen because the job makes them possible. Vegetable gardening. Woodworking/building simple, useful things for the house and garden. Writing stories and novels.
I hear you I can't work for others. I can't live in their world and play by their bs rules and schedules. But I think we may be able to change this. The creatives are the ideal in the next era. If we form collectives now we can turn the tide the other way. We are a small and smarter group than average. It's time to counter the destruction of the greedy.
I can relate to this essay. I too spend my time working in an office. The office is where our souls go to die. My girlfriend tells me I've sold my soul for money and my office job. I feel your pain. Sadly I feel like automation with capitalism will simply force me to find a lower paid office job. Someday things will be easier and better. Someday. Thank you for this writing. I have enjoyed reading it, and welcome back.
One of the things I find so hard about this reality is that once meaningful connections with other people are formed within this system ie partners, friends, hobby groups, it's even harder to escape it because you have something to lose.
I left my corporate job last year and am now teaching English to Asylum Seekers and feel slightly better about my role in society but also equally trapped. I think we need to start building pathways out of corporatism.
I’m curious what your ideal looks like — is it meaningful work, an absence of work, balance, better pay?
I understand the impetus for transforming the social and economic structures (perhaps subjugation for most is inevitable within capitalism) but surely there are solutions even within these structures? I.e. The people who are immensely passionate or knowledgeable about something, pursue it, and chart their own path — whether that’s a startup, an academic career (scientific inquiry), or a personal brand. Or are these almost impossible or very rare?
Good to have you back, Tony.
Thanks, glad to be back ♥️
Well said.
I don’t hate my job. I hate that I have to have a job.
I was self-employed for nearly 17 years because I got lucky more than once. Then the world of software changed and it seems I ddn’t. So I spent 2 years looking for a new gig. And I found one. And now I can pay my bills again and buy food and keep the mortgage up to date—and even improve the house a bit. And afford health insurance. But unless I get lucky again, I will probably be forced to have a job from now on.
Even my little rebellions only happen because the job makes them possible. Vegetable gardening. Woodworking/building simple, useful things for the house and garden. Writing stories and novels.
I don’t have an answer either.
"Little rebellions" - love it!
I hear you I can't work for others. I can't live in their world and play by their bs rules and schedules. But I think we may be able to change this. The creatives are the ideal in the next era. If we form collectives now we can turn the tide the other way. We are a small and smarter group than average. It's time to counter the destruction of the greedy.
I can relate to this essay. I too spend my time working in an office. The office is where our souls go to die. My girlfriend tells me I've sold my soul for money and my office job. I feel your pain. Sadly I feel like automation with capitalism will simply force me to find a lower paid office job. Someday things will be easier and better. Someday. Thank you for this writing. I have enjoyed reading it, and welcome back.
Have you considered moving to some anarchist commune?
Thank you Antonio🙏
Dang, I'm sorry they've got you back in a box. Give me a few more years, and you'll have an invitation to live in one of our villages. 💚
One of the things I find so hard about this reality is that once meaningful connections with other people are formed within this system ie partners, friends, hobby groups, it's even harder to escape it because you have something to lose.
I left my corporate job last year and am now teaching English to Asylum Seekers and feel slightly better about my role in society but also equally trapped. I think we need to start building pathways out of corporatism.
I’m curious what your ideal looks like — is it meaningful work, an absence of work, balance, better pay?
I understand the impetus for transforming the social and economic structures (perhaps subjugation for most is inevitable within capitalism) but surely there are solutions even within these structures? I.e. The people who are immensely passionate or knowledgeable about something, pursue it, and chart their own path — whether that’s a startup, an academic career (scientific inquiry), or a personal brand. Or are these almost impossible or very rare?
There are no solutions within those structures.