Thanks for writing this. In my response essay, I started with the capitalist angle as well but then opted-in to focus on understanding the reason behind pretending. I believe you’ll enjoy reading my response as it gives a some surface level answers to your questions: https://maybegreat.substack.com/p/re-the-death-of-the-corporate-job
It's funny, since I went nomadic and started living out of a suitcase, I buy way less stuff...no space for it. And I am much happier because I have so much more brain power now for other things than managing all my stuff.
But part of me feels guilty because I'm not doing my part to sustain all of the jobs of the people who produce the stuff I used to buy.
I think that's about feeling like I should be part of the flywheel even though I am super happy to have escaped it (or as much of it as I have figured out how to)! I loved the juxtaposition of Alex's essay and Marx. I do feel the work I'm doing now is so much more meaningful.
I'm in a battle within myself over stuff. I feel like I'm drowning in it and am in a constant battle to get stuff out of my house and yet... I could be better about limiting what comes in. (Although honestly, taking stock now, I've improved a lot in that area! Mostly it's an onslaught of gifts and hand-me-downs to our kids from people who mean well.)
This is all to say, I'm really envious of your single suitcase because the physical lightness produces mental nimbleness. I feel so much better mentally when I'm in an uncluttered space.
On feeling guilty, you shouldn't at all -- though I know it's hard to tell yourself how you "should" feel.
I think the first step is waking up. That we all believe(d) that capitalism was not only inevitable but uncruel is not necessarily our fault, but now that our eyes are opening, we should push it to be better or end.
The challenge is that capitalism creates monstrous power wells that may be impossible to displace, and capable of causing immense suffering.
Thanks for writing this. In my response essay, I started with the capitalist angle as well but then opted-in to focus on understanding the reason behind pretending. I believe you’ll enjoy reading my response as it gives a some surface level answers to your questions: https://maybegreat.substack.com/p/re-the-death-of-the-corporate-job
To your “But it’s clear that the current system is failing us as a society. And I have to believe that there’s a better option out there.” my other response on future of work might provide inspiration https://maybegreat.substack.com/i/172560547/no-one-told-you-when-to-run-you-missed-the-starting-gun -> “The human world will continue to move at a human pace, even as technology eclipses us.”
PS: Give people a subscribe button at the bottom of your article :)
It's funny, since I went nomadic and started living out of a suitcase, I buy way less stuff...no space for it. And I am much happier because I have so much more brain power now for other things than managing all my stuff.
But part of me feels guilty because I'm not doing my part to sustain all of the jobs of the people who produce the stuff I used to buy.
I think that's about feeling like I should be part of the flywheel even though I am super happy to have escaped it (or as much of it as I have figured out how to)! I loved the juxtaposition of Alex's essay and Marx. I do feel the work I'm doing now is so much more meaningful.
I'm in a battle within myself over stuff. I feel like I'm drowning in it and am in a constant battle to get stuff out of my house and yet... I could be better about limiting what comes in. (Although honestly, taking stock now, I've improved a lot in that area! Mostly it's an onslaught of gifts and hand-me-downs to our kids from people who mean well.)
This is all to say, I'm really envious of your single suitcase because the physical lightness produces mental nimbleness. I feel so much better mentally when I'm in an uncluttered space.
On feeling guilty, you shouldn't at all -- though I know it's hard to tell yourself how you "should" feel.
I think the first step is waking up. That we all believe(d) that capitalism was not only inevitable but uncruel is not necessarily our fault, but now that our eyes are opening, we should push it to be better or end.
The challenge is that capitalism creates monstrous power wells that may be impossible to displace, and capable of causing immense suffering.
Well stated, I agree with this.