I like to embrace the idea from Matt Bateman that "all work is morally good." I don't really judge anyone for working on anything, especially if they seem to find joy in it.
For me, I am not aiming at a life built around impact through work (e.g. healthcare, if that was even a think I knew how to contribute too without being rent-seeking in the US :-) ) but instead just trying to live a life where I feel connected to myself and can be a good parent. So far writing has been the best way for me to show up in this world.
Unfortunately, I am quite aware, that to many, I am wasting my life. It was quite a hard thing to face, at first. I really missed the automatic respect that my former career and full-time employment generally seem to get people.
Luckily, I've had enough criticism that I've learned to be comfortable with my choices. I know you're not trying to start beef and I enjoy the reflective tone here.
I would guess the reaction tells you something more about yourself than me, though.
If you do go down that journey, I am quite curious to see what comes up!
Thank you Paul! Yes exactly this reflection tells me more about myself. I personally just felt empty during the years I did very little. I felt like I was wasting my time. So I’m projecting that outward. But that I can’t personally find full purpose in living a ‘low impact’ life is something I will have to integrate with my other desires to be highly autonomous, flexible and, like you, a good parent.
I am basically trying to disprove the idea that you “can have anything you want but not everything you want” 😅
Although I’m very low judgement compared to others I don’t agree though with the notion that all work is morally good. Eg selling snake oil, or violent crime.
I like to embrace the idea from Matt Bateman that "all work is morally good." I don't really judge anyone for working on anything, especially if they seem to find joy in it.
For me, I am not aiming at a life built around impact through work (e.g. healthcare, if that was even a think I knew how to contribute too without being rent-seeking in the US :-) ) but instead just trying to live a life where I feel connected to myself and can be a good parent. So far writing has been the best way for me to show up in this world.
Unfortunately, I am quite aware, that to many, I am wasting my life. It was quite a hard thing to face, at first. I really missed the automatic respect that my former career and full-time employment generally seem to get people.
Luckily, I've had enough criticism that I've learned to be comfortable with my choices. I know you're not trying to start beef and I enjoy the reflective tone here.
I would guess the reaction tells you something more about yourself than me, though.
If you do go down that journey, I am quite curious to see what comes up!
Thank you Paul! Yes exactly this reflection tells me more about myself. I personally just felt empty during the years I did very little. I felt like I was wasting my time. So I’m projecting that outward. But that I can’t personally find full purpose in living a ‘low impact’ life is something I will have to integrate with my other desires to be highly autonomous, flexible and, like you, a good parent.
I am basically trying to disprove the idea that you “can have anything you want but not everything you want” 😅
Although I’m very low judgement compared to others I don’t agree though with the notion that all work is morally good. Eg selling snake oil, or violent crime.