NFT: Burnt out on life

one of the guests only lived there maybe 3 years.

said he was -very happy- there due to "less choices".

Less shopping options, less media options, fewer social options.

Some say simplicity is the ultimate luxury (maybe some rich guy made that up, ok, but anyway).

Maybe truck driving. I dunno. Something without all the social complexity.

Remember, simplicity does not equal stupidity!

from 2015, but it is, imo, one of the most important articles ever written on thriving emotionally in an environment where the value of work--financially and psychicallly--is eroded by increasing competition from automated solutions. As many here know, I have been tracking the implications of accelerating technological change for work,, the economy, income disparity, etc. for a while--nearly 5 years by my estimate. Articles and books that approach the issue the way the linked article does remain exceedingly rare.

The following quote gets at only one of a group of important ideas in the article about how we as a society and as individuals might--or might not--make the needed adaptations. The article relates directly to CMicks' initial question, I think.

Quote:

One theory of work holds that people tend to see themselves in jobs, careers, or callings. Individuals who say their work is “just a job” emphasize that they are working for money rather than aligning themselves with any higher purpose. Those with pure careerist ambitions are focused not only on income but also on the status that comes with promotions and the growing renown of their peers. But one pursues a calling not only for pay or status, but also for the intrinsic fulfillment of the work itself. When I think about the role that work plays in people’s self-esteem—particularly in America—the prospect of a no-work future seems hopeless. There is no universal basic income that can prevent the civic ruin of a country built on a handful of workers permanently subsidizing the idleness of tens of millions of people. But a future of less work still holds a glint of hope, because the necessity of salaried jobs now prevents so many from seeking immersive activities that they enjoy.

The article is long and challenging. I would appreciate feedback from anyone who gets through it.
Link - ( New Window )

You can't change your family, relationships and the obligations involved. But you can change your job. Take it from someone who's been in the workforce for over 35 years, you don't want to be in a shit job with no light at the end of the tunnel until you're ready for Social Security. I don't know what your background is , I don't know what field you're in, and I don't know what your financial situation is. Maybe you can quit now or maybe you have to plan for it for the near future. Like everyone says the economy is good so even if you have to go to school and learn a new business, this is the time to do it. Having something to look forward to is better than working in a dead end job.

Buy an iPhone a corvette and get a slam piece from one of those sugar baby websites.

the job isn't what you do, it is who you are- then it's all cake.

It's sort of like the old, "find a job you love and you'll never work another day".

I've found this whole idea of separating what you do and who you are to be disingenuous. It also leads to frustration at work and it isn't exactly a great attitude to have for success at work- which can be just as fulfilling as any personal success you have once you realize that it is not just "something to pay the bills" and is actually just as much of a defining part of you as family.

remember:

-there is no spiritual rule or community responsibility that says 'you needith to payith a mortgage' or 'thou mustith drive a new car'.

Or even HAVE a car.

Treat random people with love and respect and you are doing a hell of a lot more that plenty of guys who tow the line on 'career' and all that stuff.

think about the stuff you really don't need; TV, beer, donuts, nice car, etc., reduce those and replace with a new hobby, holding the door for old ladys, trust me, this is a fun and rewarding hobby. and no, its not a 'pick-up trick' or any other scheme - there is an entire universe built on random, common, acts of kindness.

little things, not necessarily always random, do make a big difference. When I walk into a store and am greeted with "Hello, how are you today?" I always respond positively and ask how they are doing. More than a few times I have had sales clerks respond that hardly anyone ever asks that. I have greeted shuttle drivers by name and have been told how much they appreciate it when customers do that. I am friendly in general but it defintely helps elevate my mood when it seems like I might have helped elevate someone else's mood just by being friendly. This can be huge, too, after getting off a long, crummy flight from an exhausting work trip.

maybe because you are not expecting any response or reward, but you are opening your (call it what you want) to the humanity of a random stranger.

could just be some 'ugly', 'old', 'lady' in a 7-11.

Your opennesss here moved me. I really am rooting for you. You have received a lot of good advice so I don't have anything new. However, what helped me get through difficult times like yours was deleting my Facebook account and I never watch any news at all. It's all slanted and mostly meant to sway you, not report news. As for TV, I usually limit my viewing to two hours per day, and it is only for entertainment. Like many here, I went through a career change too, so find out what it is that really excites you. Take care.

(and i have been really bad at this at times myself, completely terrible) to stay awake and aware, one may think, teens may think (I have two) of it as banal "politeness" but that act, those habits, help a person keep the (channels) open so one can SEE (for a random example) the old lady in time to OPEN that door for her.

so, what may seem like list of silly social rules for teenagers become like a set of keys to unlocking your own personal awareness once you start.

to not be preoccupied and therefor tuned out.

a simple way to practice might be to carry a heavy complex shaped object with someone, you need to tune into what they are doing.

or hacky sack, for kids.

that's 101, manual labor helps a lot.

but, the next thing, the 'agape' thing even maybe, is being tuned in more broadly for random strangers and for no 'reason'.

maybe all this is why we find texting drivers and rude mindless type drivers so annoying, its as if they are saying, 'no, I wont be aware, fuck all you people, i am busy!'.

play a huge role. We all need to take a step back and disconnect at times.

I seem to find the same names on this site every time I visit, posting countless times a day lol. I work in an environment where I'm constantly moving and can't even check my phone for texts as often as I'd like. I'm in construction and some days if I so much as stop to adjust my balls I have someone on my ass about wasting time. I hate my job. I hate my boss. But if you have responsibilities outside of yourself you suck it up and find a way to make it work. If it gets to be at a level you can't take, quit and find something else. My whole thing is I don't tolerate being disrespected. Happened one time at my current job and I quit on the spot. I'm fortunate my boss kind of needs me and all but begged for me to return and gave me a raise to do so, but I've worked in other jobs where that wasn't the case and I had to start up a new search. Most people probably hate their job on some level. Few of us wind up doing what we dream of growing up. Focus on the people you love and come to the realization that you put yourself through this for them. It's called Manning up. Even if you're working a 50 hour work week like I do it means you're still free about 70% of the time. None of us are in sweat shops

Manh George - that's a worthwhile article. Thanks for posting it. I'm curious why the writer didn't talk about a more dystopian future, but guess he couldn't cover everything.

i leave my house at 5:45 and get home at 6:30 monday through friday, throw in a client dinner 3 or 4 times a month.

And this has only been the last 25 years. The only thing I can say is that you get used to it.

I think we've all been there. But when you hate your job, boss, etc than it doesn't matter if you work 20 hours a week or 70. Obviously have to pay the bills but you shouldn't just deal with being miserable. It can effect your spouse or your kids or you family and that doesn't seem worth it.

do you want people to feel sorry for you in life or look up to you in life?

wealth does not define the answer to that question either.

to a guy who did a hit and run OP thread start.

In comment 13571197 UConn4523 said:

Quote:

I think we've all been there. But when you hate your job, boss, etc than it doesn't matter if you work 20 hours a week or 70. Obviously have to pay the bills but you shouldn't just deal with being miserable. It can effect your spouse or your kids or you family and that doesn't seem worth it.

I had to leave a sales job in the past for this reason. Cold calls at 8am trying to sell an auto insurance policy - brutal.

I've found myself sifting thru early retirement websites more than a few times (Im 38). I recently started my own firm with a few other lawyers, leaving a job working for assholes where I was only-kinda-sort-of a "partner". I'd be surprised if Im working when my 18 month old goes to college (ie when Im 55).

In comment 13571024 Sean said:

Quote:

play a huge role. We all need to take a step back and disconnect at times.

What are you saying?
That us news/sports junkies take following news/sports like another task from our job that we can never keep on top of?