Letters: Readers respond to an article about quitting the rat race, with some saying their generation was handed an untenable position and others saying the struggle is nothing new
Okay, I can’t actually get work at the moment, I’ve ended up in the “precariat” despite my MSc because I didn’t understand what would be helpful in the labour market when I was younger. Didn’t have a supportive family, to make something of an understatement. So my question is, shall I kill myself? I’ve worked very hard in physical jobs so it’s not laziness, the labour market is just very cruel and is happy to kill me.
Deaths of despair, you know? I just want something productive to do that doesn’t destroy my mind and body and actually pays a proper living wage. I feel like I’ve got a lot to offer but I’m not able to work the system like some people. Or even navigate it.
Most everyone has been to this point some time in their life. The question is how you handle the answer.
The world is cruel and doesn’t care. That’s why YOU must care for yourself, not kill yourself.
My suggestion for you is to take stock of all that you have to offer and then list what you like. Interests, hobbies, skills, knowledge (like can you do your own taxes or expert at filling out student loan forms, you can do construction or plumbing, etc.). Anything goes.
Now see what lines up from column A and column B and write down a list of jobs that needs/uses those things. Now you know what kind of work you can do and won’t hate.
Next list what you like and dislike about your personality. Then, do the same for everyone else. You should see a pattern (i.e. I like intelligent conversations/ I dislike loud people) of things that go hand in hand. Like the loudest person in a room is usually the dumbest too.
Anyway, once you know all these things, you should be able to tell if a job is for you and if the people you’ll be working with are a match.
The key is to like what you do and the people you do it with. The money will eventually come if you don’t hate going to work or the people you work with. At the very least, your life won’t suck. Also, never stop looking for a better job or opportunity.
A perfect job doesn’t exist (unless you are your own boss) and the good ones don’t always stay that way. Adjust to that reality and always be looking ahead. That is how you navigate/work the system. I am a sore loser and never back down so letting the system win is not an option. It shouldn’t be for you either.
i’m reading your comments and i don’t have an answer for you. you sound really discouraged. i hope you will find a reason to stick around, and i hope it gets better for you soon. ❤️
You can’t predict the future, you are not a far seer, you are not a fortune teller. You don’t know if life gets better or not. The only way to find out is to keep hanging on.
There will be more jobs. Or we march in the streets. Don’t let the capitalists win. They want people to take the easy way out. Every time they see an article about working class suicides they smile because it means nobody will quit their jobs just for the abuse.
Okay, I can’t actually get work at the moment, I’ve ended up in the “precariat” despite my MSc because I didn’t understand what would be helpful in the labour market when I was younger. Didn’t have a supportive family, to make something of an understatement. So my question is, shall I kill myself? I’ve worked very hard in physical jobs so it’s not laziness, the labour market is just very cruel and is happy to kill me.
Oh please don’t let capitalism kill you.
Deaths of despair, you know? I just want something productive to do that doesn’t destroy my mind and body and actually pays a proper living wage. I feel like I’ve got a lot to offer but I’m not able to work the system like some people. Or even navigate it.
Most everyone has been to this point some time in their life. The question is how you handle the answer.
The world is cruel and doesn’t care. That’s why YOU must care for yourself, not kill yourself.
My suggestion for you is to take stock of all that you have to offer and then list what you like. Interests, hobbies, skills, knowledge (like can you do your own taxes or expert at filling out student loan forms, you can do construction or plumbing, etc.). Anything goes.
Now see what lines up from column A and column B and write down a list of jobs that needs/uses those things. Now you know what kind of work you can do and won’t hate.
Next list what you like and dislike about your personality. Then, do the same for everyone else. You should see a pattern (i.e. I like intelligent conversations/ I dislike loud people) of things that go hand in hand. Like the loudest person in a room is usually the dumbest too.
Anyway, once you know all these things, you should be able to tell if a job is for you and if the people you’ll be working with are a match.
The key is to like what you do and the people you do it with. The money will eventually come if you don’t hate going to work or the people you work with. At the very least, your life won’t suck. Also, never stop looking for a better job or opportunity.
A perfect job doesn’t exist (unless you are your own boss) and the good ones don’t always stay that way. Adjust to that reality and always be looking ahead. That is how you navigate/work the system. I am a sore loser and never back down so letting the system win is not an option. It shouldn’t be for you either.
I completely understand. I’m sorry amigo. Do you think maybe some volunteer work would be an idea at least to feel productive?
I’ve done so much work for no pay in my life I think I need to swear off it, but in principle yes, volunteer work is not a bad thing.
I just wonder if it would make you feel occupied. I understand.
Yes in that respect it would be good, maybe I should consider it again. It’s silly though, if that work needs doing maybe it deserves a wage.
i’m reading your comments and i don’t have an answer for you. you sound really discouraged. i hope you will find a reason to stick around, and i hope it gets better for you soon. ❤️
Thank you, I appreciate it!
You die eventually anyways. What’s the rush?
You can’t predict the future, you are not a far seer, you are not a fortune teller. You don’t know if life gets better or not. The only way to find out is to keep hanging on.
Rest in peace tater tot
There will be more jobs. Or we march in the streets. Don’t let the capitalists win. They want people to take the easy way out. Every time they see an article about working class suicides they smile because it means nobody will quit their jobs just for the abuse.
If I ever end up killing myself over capitalism, I’m going to take out a CEO/rich bastard with me or die trying.
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