What do you do for a living?

[Invisible Man]

Isn't this just the longer leashes, bigger cages logic of modern capitalism? Through technology, capital has been able to inject itself into basically all human modes of (inter)action? Now your job basically consists of talking and thinking, so you are never not engaged in work. It's what social media does without so many people realizing it. Capital makes amd needs more capital and in the 21st century the people have become the makers of our commodified selves ajdjdififirjfnfueRJJFJFJFJFIDIDOEOED!!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also I cannot even start on history right now. LIES! LIES!

Yeah. I probably should have put "beauty" in scare quotes. But this is pretty much what I mean to say--sorry if I'm not being clear. My M.O. is to write like three pages, then realize 'oh shit, no one wants to read all this,' then I whittle it down to the bare minimum for forum communication.

One of the risks with this type of thinking is that I don't really differentiate (at least not anymore) between labor/downtime. That's why I say what I do--that this becomes a lifestyle, and not just a gig where I clock in. It does make things difficult, but it's really who I've been all along, so...there's some consonance there. Consider, too, that the work isn't very hard/grueling.

But you're right, of course. The thing that I fool myself into thinking is that this is a vocation, not just a job. It's what I want to do with my life, and it energizes me a lot of the time--which is different from the shit jobs I've had before. Standing over a crack in the floor at a factory waiting to clobber a family of rats so that I can get back to shrinkwrapping garbage cans did not energize me.

So don't get me wrong--you flipping out over hegemonic problems is exactly the same thing that I'm thinking--but I've made my peace with it by teaching revolutionary practices while collecting a fat paycheck. (OK, it's not that fat. But it is a paycheck.)

[spacelordmother]

I work in architecture. I used to design workplaces for the high-end corporate market, but these days I mostly design/redesign hospitals. It can be a lot of fun, certain clients and certain project managers have a tendency to make things way more difficult than it needs to be. Still, I like it a lot.

[D.o.S.]

what is the "can you make the logo pop" of architectural design?

[spacelordmother]

what is the "can you make the logo pop" of architectural design?

Like client feedback/request for something using vague or out of context using meaningless buzzwords? Every client seems to ask for "modern" and "collaborative" spaces, which tends to fly in the face of their program which notes "large closed offices filled with figured mahogany." They also tend to always begin the process by talking about "impact" and "making it special", but then as soon as it has a dollar amount attached said feature is immediately cut.



I will admit that I was spoiled by the budgets available at my last firm, but those clients were backing their belief in design (as it pertained to productivity, employee recruitment and retention, etc) with the funds to make it happen. Of course hospitals and clinics have a completely different set of constraints in play, but research shows (as does common sense?) that environment makes a huge impact on a patient's healing time so stripping everything down to the minimum seems counter to the reason we go there in the first place.

[bigchiefbc]

To contrast with my belly-aching over my current job, I'll talk about my previous one.

It was with an ISP, and I was on the team was basically ultimately responsible for the operation of the large-scale network and for resolving high-level outages. I worked from home 90% of the time and didn't really have a defined work schedule. I worked when something was broken and slept or spent time with family and friends when all was well. I was basically on-call 24/7 and couldn't honestly tell you how many hours a week I worked, but never felt over-worked because there was honestly a lot of off-time as well. And the company was really concerned about preventing burnout with my team, so they gave us all 6 weeks of vacation.

As far as the actual networking work, it was awesome because it was working with million-dollar routers and moving around tens of thousands of users' traffic at a time. It was also a strangely fun job because of how unpredictable it was, but once my son was born I really needed to have a more steady job (and more money). I'd fucking love to go back to it, but it basically means never being able to have concrete plans with my wife and son, so I'm not sure it would be fair to either of them.

[Deltaphoenix]

I am an Account Manager for a software company (HR software mostly). Pretty much 1/2 of the Fortune 500/Global 1000 brands use us. I do not work with the largest accounts but I do have so good/ well known companies that are my clients. I maintain the relationship, work to ensure that they renew their contracts, sell them more software licenses or different software that we offer. I don't have anything to do with the technical side that goes to Customer Support. I manage the money/contracts. There is some travel involved but not too much, once or twice a quarter.
I dig it and the B2B software industry is pretty lucrative.

[psychic vampire.]

Isn't this just the longer leashes, bigger cages logic of modern capitalism? Through technology, capital has been able to inject itself into basically all human modes of (inter)action? Now your job basically consists of talking and thinking, so you are never not engaged in work. It's what social media does without so many people realizing it. Capital makes amd needs more capital and in the 21st century the people have become the makers of our commodified selves ajdjdififirjfnfueRJJFJFJFJFIDIDOEOED!!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also I cannot even start on history right now. LIES! LIES!

Yeah. I probably should have put "beauty" in scare quotes. But this is pretty much what I mean to say--sorry if I'm not being clear. My M.O. is to write like three pages, then realize 'oh shit, no one wants to read all this,' then I whittle it down to the bare minimum for forum communication.

One of the risks with this type of thinking is that I don't really differentiate (at least not anymore) between labor/downtime. That's why I say what I do--that this becomes a lifestyle, and not just a gig where I clock in. It does make things difficult, but it's really who I've been all along, so...there's some consonance there. Consider, too, that the work isn't very hard/grueling.

But you're right, of course. The thing that I fool myself into thinking is that this is a vocation, not just a job. It's what I want to do with my life, and it energizes me a lot of the time--which is different from the shit jobs I've had before. Standing over a crack in the floor at a factory waiting to clobber a family of rats so that I can get back to shrinkwrapping garbage cans did not energize me.

So don't get me wrong--you flipping out over hegemonic problems is exactly the same thing that I'm thinking--but I've made my peace with it by teaching revolutionary practices while collecting a fat paycheck. (OK, it's not that fat. But it is a paycheck.)

I believe everything I said, but it is maybe important to note that it was Saturday night and I was winding down from partying. Which is to say, I don't drink, but you know. Sorry if I was a little off my rocker. I had just spent three hours ranting at my boyfriend and his room mate about christianity and guilt and european history and communism vs. individualist communalism. Ugh. Sorrty y'all.

[GuitarSlim101]

I work at a small, mom and pop music store in a stuck-up, yuppie, WASPy twin cities suburb. I'm the manager in title only, do all the stringed instrument repairs, sell instruments, tell people which strings to buy, schedule lessons, make the coffee, keep the computer working correctly, and I teach guitar lessons on Fridays. I've been at the store for 10 years, got hired when I was 16, so it's my first and only real job.

I used to love it. I get to spend my days talking about gear and music, help people make music, work with some really cool people, work on some really cool instruments, get to build stuff when I have downtime, and teaching kids to rock out has been pretty rewarding, especially when I get kids that remind me of myself. Giving the awkward and depressed kids who don't fit in at school an outlet is awesome.

But the store is owned by a husband and wife that insist on running the store like we're still in 1998, and they won't listen to any suggestions I have. Our web presence is shit, my boss doesn't understand how to price gear, our lesson program needs some improvement (particularly payment and scheduling options), we don't have enough performance opportunities for our students, we're way out of touch with the local music community and schools, and the sales floor desperately needs to be rearranged. Amongst other things. I presented a list of suggestions on how we could start implementing some changes, but was pretty much told to chew shit, the business model is working, nothing needs to change, etc.

I'm really torn on what to do. On one hand, they're likely going to start thinking about selling the store in the next few years, and I would love to own the place and keep it going. The store has been around since 1979 (current owners bought it in 1997), and is still a fairly well respected part of the town, and it would give me a great outlet to start selling stuff I build. But if things keep going the way they are, I'd essentially be buying a sinking ship, and I can't do that.

And the main thing keeping me around right now, other than some fear about having to find a new job, is that the store may not survive if I leave, and I'd feel like a gigantic cock if some of the teachers, that have pretty much become family, lost their jobs. They've told me not to worry about it, but I'm still hung up.

So we'll see. I'm hoping to build and sell a few guitars this year, and start playing out again, so maybe having some extra income will lower my stress level a bit.

[Hyphen Nation]

Have you heard them talk about selling? If they are serious about it happening in the next few years, if they bring it up say you want to buy it. If you know any lawyers, I would talk with them about what they think would be involved. Business sales can be hard, but sometimes cheaper than you'd think. You just need to go into it with your whits. If they are serious about it, or if you think they are serious, maybe talk to them about a transition plan? They start working less, give you more autonomy, etc. Maybe it's something you can work out with your wages. Biggest thing is to get legal advice is you are serious about it. You may find that it's impossible, or even more possible than you thought. Who knows, you may be able to just make them an offer and fast track what you want. Don't sit and wait for it to happen.

[GuitarSlim101]

They know I want it. They're planning to hold on to it for another 3-5 years, at least, and have said they'll give me more control when they get closer to that point, but they're doing so much damage right now that it will be difficult to fix things.

You're right, though, I do need to meet with someone to see what I can do.

[Invisible Man]

Isn't this just the longer leashes, bigger cages logic of modern capitalism? Through technology, capital has been able to inject itself into basically all human modes of (inter)action? Now your job basically consists of talking and thinking, so you are never not engaged in work. It's what social media does without so many people realizing it. Capital makes amd needs more capital and in the 21st century the people have become the makers of our commodified selves ajdjdififirjfnfueRJJFJFJFJFIDIDOEOED!!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also I cannot even start on history right now. LIES! LIES!

Yeah. I probably should have put "beauty" in scare quotes. But this is pretty much what I mean to say--sorry if I'm not being clear. My M.O. is to write like three pages, then realize 'oh shit, no one wants to read all this,' then I whittle it down to the bare minimum for forum communication.

One of the risks with this type of thinking is that I don't really differentiate (at least not anymore) between labor/downtime. That's why I say what I do--that this becomes a lifestyle, and not just a gig where I clock in. It does make things difficult, but it's really who I've been all along, so...there's some consonance there. Consider, too, that the work isn't very hard/grueling.

But you're right, of course. The thing that I fool myself into thinking is that this is a vocation, not just a job. It's what I want to do with my life, and it energizes me a lot of the time--which is different from the shit jobs I've had before. Standing over a crack in the floor at a factory waiting to clobber a family of rats so that I can get back to shrinkwrapping garbage cans did not energize me.

So don't get me wrong--you flipping out over hegemonic problems is exactly the same thing that I'm thinking--but I've made my peace with it by teaching revolutionary practices while collecting a fat paycheck. (OK, it's not that fat. But it is a paycheck.)

I believe everything I said, but it is maybe important to note that it was Saturday night and I was winding down from partying. Which is to say, I don't drink, but you know. Sorry if I was a little off my rocker. I had just spent three hours ranting at my boyfriend and his room mate about christianity and guilt and european history and communism vs. individualist communalism. Ugh. Sorrty y'all.

Never apologize. This is ILF. We could have some long conversations, I'll bet.

I don't drink either, though I am contemplating taking up alcoholism as a new hobby.

[Invisible Man]

They know I want it. They're planning to hold on to it for another 3-5 years, at least, and have said they'll give me more control when they get closer to that point, but they're doing so much damage right now that it will be difficult to fix things.

You're right, though, I do need to meet with someone to see what I can do.

Sounds like a really good opportunity. Buy it and call it Guitar Center, just for giggles (and litigation).

[psychic vampire.]

Isn't this just the longer leashes, bigger cages logic of modern capitalism? Through technology, capital has been able to inject itself into basically all human modes of (inter)action? Now your job basically consists of talking and thinking, so you are never not engaged in work. It's what social media does without so many people realizing it. Capital makes amd needs more capital and in the 21st century the people have become the makers of our commodified selves ajdjdififirjfnfueRJJFJFJFJFIDIDOEOED!!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also I cannot even start on history right now. LIES! LIES!

Yeah. I probably should have put "beauty" in scare quotes. But this is pretty much what I mean to say--sorry if I'm not being clear. My M.O. is to write like three pages, then realize 'oh shit, no one wants to read all this,' then I whittle it down to the bare minimum for forum communication.

One of the risks with this type of thinking is that I don't really differentiate (at least not anymore) between labor/downtime. That's why I say what I do--that this becomes a lifestyle, and not just a gig where I clock in. It does make things difficult, but it's really who I've been all along, so...there's some consonance there. Consider, too, that the work isn't very hard/grueling.

But you're right, of course. The thing that I fool myself into thinking is that this is a vocation, not just a job. It's what I want to do with my life, and it energizes me a lot of the time--which is different from the shit jobs I've had before. Standing over a crack in the floor at a factory waiting to clobber a family of rats so that I can get back to shrinkwrapping garbage cans did not energize me.

So don't get me wrong--you flipping out over hegemonic problems is exactly the same thing that I'm thinking--but I've made my peace with it by teaching revolutionary practices while collecting a fat paycheck. (OK, it's not that fat. But it is a paycheck.)

I believe everything I said, but it is maybe important to note that it was Saturday night and I was winding down from partying. Which is to say, I don't drink, but you know. Sorry if I was a little off my rocker. I had just spent three hours ranting at my boyfriend and his room mate about christianity and guilt and european history and communism vs. individualist communalism. Ugh. Sorrty y'all.

Never apologize. This is ILF. We could have song long conversations, I'll bet.

I don't drink either, though I am contemplating taking up alcoholism as a new hobby.

Okay, I am neither sorry nor sorrty. I do have some fun thoughts about capital, but here I am. Alcoholism... is a rough life, obviously.

[D.o.S.]

Yeah I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Gotta maintain a healthy lifestyle balance 90% of the time so you can really get after it during the 10% of the time.

[WayToHip]

I'm currently waiting tables, bartending, and I'm a barista. I'm also fighting this nasty "WTF am I doing with my life I'm almost 30" quarter-life crisis.

Wow, you and I are having the same crisis just on opposite sides of a kitchen.

I am a prep cook at a restaurant. Other than the pay is shit, hours are too early, and I'm doing stuff that's mind numbing boring at times, I love it.

On this tip, I bake in a bakery. Pay is low, but it is usually easy, rewarding work. Cried in the bathroom today though. Definitely feel the nearing 30 oh fuck thoughts.

I wish to some day live on a farm and make pedals on the side. It's a dream.

ILF fuzzfarm commune 2017, make it happen.

Baking bread and raising chickens and growing corn and shit is my dream.
I'm in on a ILF commune.