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I love doing nothing. Except when it's on my rear for too long. Then gotta move around. I work part time. That's enough. I think of working full time like I did for years. I'm tired no full time in me any more.

Doing part-time self employment work/trading that pays more than I could ever earn in a full-time job. Don't really enjoy it but I can do it with my eyes closed and its flexible, I also can't walk away from that kind of money for such little (but boring and sometimes stressful work).

This then gives me time to do other things, recently took on an entire house renovation and doing majority of it myself (not skilled or qualified in any trade), just learning off the Internet and hired professionals to do the bits where I need them to step in.

Fairly active and healthy, go to the gym and also steam & sauna couple times a week, healthy social life.

Child just started high school and is self sufficient in most areas now.

And with all this I find myself in random phases of the day/week just blanking out because I've got that many things to juggle which I think are 'helping' me as a person, but because they've become that routine I feel anxious when I havent managed to fit either of those activities within a 2-3 day span.

Other than when I was ill for a few days a couple weeks ago and genuinely bedbound I was accepting of not being able to do 'something'.

I have an idea I may one day try --- that perhaps the most mindblowing date idea would be to -- aside from the opening greetings, introduction, telling a date where dinner will be -- do the rest of the first date completely silent, communicating only through eye contact and basic/subtle gestures. I genuinely believe a date in near silence would blow the minds of both parties, as the experience (if both people could do it the full time) would probably be uniquely unheard of and connecting. Because, if you can enjoy another's company with the most minimal of interactions, how much must you enjoy that person.

When I first watched it, I disliked it a lot. At the time I was very religious (let's just keep it generic in saying that) and R&M say offensive stuff. It was hard to enjoy and be religious at the same time.

But that was years ago. I'm not that way now, and I honestly see the futility in many aspects of existence. I no longer place much value on any individual's "life plan/purpose" as I see no indicator we're designed. So it's not nihilism mind you, but I focus on the absurdity of it all. As in, life is pretty dumb and unpleasant to experience at the basic level. Yeah "you" can "enjoy" it insofar as you have a body you call your own and have senses that like certain things....but ultimately, it's very much nothing of anything.

I think Rick & Morty touches on those kind of topics frequently, in a dark humor, gross out way. Yeah, it's not the best show ever and isn't perfect in delivery of messages each time, but it's a thinking person's show I would say.

So, if I had to take a guess about your camps of friends, the ones who dislike it very much enjoy their life, sense-of-self and may even be quite religious (though not necessarily).

Balance is key. I’ve had the 40 hour a week lifestyle, the sub-20 hour per week lifestyle, and the 80+ hour per week lifestyle, all interspersed with long periods of no job. No job is the best to a point, but the inevitable financial worries creep in and then you no longer are stress free during your time. But what I’ve learned during my most recent stretch (9 months) is even though I was financially good for another 6+ months, I wanted to find a job, just to feel useful. I didn’t even focus on pay, just something that sounded like it could be good work to do.

Right now I’m trying to find a role where I can control how much I work. I don’t mind a 40 or 15 or 80 hour week, the problems arise when you have to work them, and work them consistently for someone else. When the objective is attractive, I like working. I’ve had the good fortune of working on some projects where I only had a deadline. I could work 12+ hour days and be excited to keep going the next. If I was tired I’d work less or rest for the day. Working isn’t the problem, lack of control and ownership over your work is. Adding in sabbatical weeks on my own time is top priority.

Working well then resting well is the ideal balance. If more people had the luxury to live that type of lifestyle, getting rid of the 40 hour week wouldn’t be top priority anymore. The constant drone of having to work set times regardless of what needs doing is a big problem.

I'm iffy on security jobs. If you're like a mall security guard or a security guard at a hotel (something where everything is well lit, safe overall, well maintained, maybe has multiple guards each shift, and the security work is reliable/definitely security guard only - not quasi-janitor/quasi parking lot maintenance/etc.) it's probably fine.

One of my cousins however (who is now a cop) got hired as an overnight security guy when he was real young and you know what his job was? Be parked in a pitch-black rural mining area entrance, in a very rural area, with a shotgun and a cellphone. This was like in the last decade. He was maybe 20. No training beyond that.

So he was supposed to just sit in his vehicle all night with that as his only safe spot in the middle of nowhere with a gun and a cellphone, all by himself.

That is a terrible security job. If it had been two people on the shift, that would have been different perhaps. Still totally unsafe to be walking in the dark near job site/mine shaft/etc. though. But for these low pay/sketchy security jobs, I'd say no way instantly.

>Can you elaborate more on your job? I see posts like this making tech seem like a dream but never any specific examples or proof. I have no idea how to get started in it and I'm starting to think it's a joke

I was forced years ago (about ~13 years ago) to switch fields entirely to a backup career -- IT support. I blame the Great Recession, but also capitalism in general and the near overnight collapse of print-based marketing in the mid/late 00s. While I was saddened by my inability to earn a decent, reliable income in my previous field that I was extremely good at, IT (and subsequently basic programming work using PHP+MySQL [database]) has allowed me to have reliable jobs that have provided where so many other fields have not.

I'm in my 40s now, and made this pivot in my early 30s, so it can be done. I am by no means a great programmer. On a scale of 1-10 I am a 4, but I can do enough with databases and PHP+HTML coding to make interactive website-based programs (that can run locally, on a user's computer, w/o need for the internet) to essentially automate many data-heavy, manual-entry tasks.

Not all IT jobs are good though - I've had several where I am looked down upon and treated like a cog in the machine, and valued very little. However, I have had multiple jobs over the past 13 years where I have been able to outright work remotely, because ultimately my jobs (at these remote points) were more about delivering X on Y basis/schedule rather than being busy+available every second of the day.

In the IT jobs where I was mistreated/micromanaged, there was no room for anything - I was either a generic tech support person behind the emails or a voice behind the tech support line phoneline.

I'm unsure if I could cut it as a genuine programmer. I never received the proper training in a 4 yr or higher Computer Science program. I have picked up a good amount and understand the concepts behind many things programming-wise, but age 35 onward I sorta lost most ambition and desire to continue learning -- afterall, I had already done this once before and had to abandon my career.

So I'm not a software engineer per se -- I'm more of a generic IT support guy (understand how computers/operating systems work -- I dislike server support though) and basic programmer (I don't mess with stuff beyond PHP+MySQL, though I could if necessary I guess) and decent data analyst (I can do reporting, work with tables of sales/order/inventory data, etc.).

>I have no idea how to get started in it

You at a minimum have to understand how a computer works - not every physical aspect of it, but the concept of the operating system, programs, installing programs+drivers, what users expect out of software interactions, how dumb users can be when interacting with programs and data, etc. If you dislike this or just don't get it, anything IT support related or programming related is utterly pointless.

For example, I view cars as an appliance that get me from point A to B. I have no desire to understand horsepower or electrical systems or how the engine or brake lines work or anything beyond oil changes, filling gas, tire replacement, checking fluid/air. Can I use a car? yes. Could I use a car to do another job? yes. Should I ever consider being a mechanic or even oil change serviceman? NO.

Regarding education, I got a cheapo community college AAS in Computer Science ~12 years ago and an equally cheapo online Bachelors ~10 years ago in Information Technology. I didn't even need the BS in IT really as online teaching for me was "meh" but it helped in getting past HR departments a few times.

>"requires the technical knowledge but also the ability to easily present & talk to other people."

The best IT/coding jobs I've had are ones where I only have to talk with maybe a half dozen people at most and then beyond them saying the bare minimum needed each week or month, they largely leave you alone to get from here to there. The worst IT jobs I've had are ones where I have to interact with people frequently each and every day -- the worst ones are via phone-based calling. Strangely enough, if you get a tech job where face to face interactions are the main method of talking, even if you do have to interact with them, it isn't so bad. For me, I've noticed the worst tech jobs are where most communication is strictly done via email/messaging apps and is frequent each day. It dehumanizes you.

>"You are a RESOURCE that everyone is thrilled to see."

Over the past 13 years I've only kept certain jobs because of my basic PHP+MySQL abilities - I've created little programs or utilities that outright make other people's jobs easier. I would advise you to pick up something similar and if you like a certain job and wish to keep it, find a way to slip in some sort of custom script for the HR department or an important manager that cuts down a task they do in real, measurable ways. It's not guaranteed job security, but they'll see if you make their job easier, you may make others' jobs easier, and reduce stress/complexity overall. And you don't even have to be an expert or find a solution for everything - I frequently say "I don't know or I can't probably do that, but I'll look into it." But most people are excited by even the smallest programming things, and they can be ridiculously simple. But they may give you a bit of security and flexibility overall.

The practice of "doing" is usually subject to artificial urgency: people over-emphasize the importance of things happening immediately, rather than building deliberately toward what they want.

Proof of Concept: if you're working on something that will be inspected closely, and you really want the result to be a specific way, is it better to:
...hurry through the task as fast as possible?
...take your time, be calm, and double-check before you "do"?

What we practice, we improve at. ⚖️

Its a great idea but I would be careful basing anything on Freud. Freud has been discredited immensely. I would not be following his insights. Read Freudian Fraud or even this article: https://gizmodo.com/why-freud-still-matters-when-he-was-wrong-about-almost-1055800815

I been doing nothing for way too fucking long

But my boss told me burnout is a mental thing not physical…. Lol

Thats the thing about dreams, some choose to be doctor and lawyers. I choose to be lazy.

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"I guess that because the idea of truth can be subjective, anything or nothing could be any truth of any kind depending on your point of view."

I know some people think this way, but truly if society functioned on these beliefs, then everything we know would cease to operate. Courtrooms, marriages, nuclear power plants, you know.

"here's a video, photo, dna test, and witnesses all proving you committed the crime"

"all wrong"

"and your evidence to prove this?"

"it's my truth, and mine is just as valid as yours..."

"wow! well then, have a nice day! :) "

​

Or the classic :

"I'm a 9ft tall, 300 year old Martian from Uranus!"

"umm no, you're Bob. We've been friends for years"

"My truth is just as valid as yours >:( "

"oh, well hi Martian!"

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What's your belief on Postmodernism, do you support it fully, partially, or reject?

I am Jack's dopamine receptors.

I'm quite confused by your intentions, as you seem to be ranting against the article, but only provided 1 instance on your position about Postmodernism, which is what my entire post is about?

{Consistent with postmodern doctrine is the belief that institutions, such as science and language, are oppressive institutes of control.}"Who actually claims this and what is their actual argument here? And more importantly, what is the context of this argument? This is an often repeated claim that isn’t entirely wrong, but I worry that it has taken on a life on its own, i.e. separated from actual postmodernist thought."

Im guessing you downvoted this also because you don't like the source?

Here's Britannica-

"Postmodernists deny this Enlightenment faith in science and technology as instruments of human progress. Indeed, many postmodernists hold that the misguided (or unguided) pursuit of scientific and technological knowledge led to the development of technologies for killing on a massive scale in World War II. Some go so far as to say that science and technology—and even reason and logic—are inherently destructive and oppressive, because they have been used by evil people, especially during the 20th century, to destroy and oppress others."

Here's The Postil Magazine-

"To the Postmodernist, classical accounts of truth–like that of Plato’s–which use language via propositional logic, or other bodies of knowledge which rely on the experiential, reason, or narrative cannot tell us anything about the world, due to their use of language. The strong Postmodernist must therefore reject science, history, and philosophy, as they attempt to rationalize the world using language."

Here's Why Evolution Is True-

"Empirical evidence is suspect and so are any culturally dominant ideas including science, reason, and universal liberalism. These are Enlightenment values which are naïve, totalizing and oppressive, and there is a moral necessity to smash them."

3 more sources that provide a similar statement to "science and language are oppressive instituts of control". And the point of this argument, at least mine, is to prove how Postmodernism is one of the stupidest, incoherent, illogical, dumbfounded, illiterate, collection of jumbled words and jargon ever put on paper, let alone be spoken out of someone's mouth. While it sounds harsh, I still hold that there are some good takeaways from the theory itself. Especially when it comes to critical thinking, and bringing to light what truly cannot be known.

I encourage you to look at the beliefs of postmodernism, especially on Britannica, as they number the beliefs and explain them. I also would like to know your position on Postmodernism. And I also do not have any comment on Karl Marx, the Enlightenment period, how Postmodernism began, World War 2 technology, or anything other than Does Postmodernism make sense? Provide your explanation" I have already posted my answer, twice.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/postmodernism-philosophy

^HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING^

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https://www.thepostil.com/postmodern-understandings-of-language-and-power-explanations-and-refutations/

https://whyevolutionistrue.com/2019/09/21/postmodernism-explained-and-criticized/

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That's good to hear! I'm slowly working toward a similar track as well. Currently just doing shift work, mainly so I have time at work to finish my Masters in Cybersecurity, finish Sec+ etc. I want a job like you described, where I'm simply afforded agency to produce results w/minimal oversight. It's encouraging to see how many cyber jobs are WFH, as I'm planning to start a family soon and I don't want those kids to have to deal with an absent or distracted father like I sometimes dealt with.

Oh, and also so I can get rid of my stupid car I'm currently forced to own because oil and car companies successfully lobbied for the destruction of almost all public transit in this country.

I used to listen to long YouTube videos at work since we can’t have books in a sterile room but we could have headphones. When I got home after a long shift I’d be up and moving around cleaning and cooking so I never got a chance to just sit down and read. It took me three months to read Circe by Madeline Miller. Loved the book but I barely had time for it.

Realized in mid-August I could listen to audiobooks for free on Libby. It’s now October and I’ve gone through 45 books

It’s a game changer.

See I thrive in chaotic environments where I need to delegate work to a team and handle more complex issue on my own. I had an operations management job like that, that paid very well but I got to the point where the chaos became mundane and it was no longer exciting once I learned how to handle pretty much every obstacle that industry could throw at me. I WANT to be able to sit around and be leisurely and make a living but I also know that slow uneventful jobs lead to me literally not paying attention and fucking up. I need a position that gives me the flexibility to do nothing when I choose to do nothing, and that is exciting enough when I do work and requires me to continue to learn new skills throughout my career. Idk if that exists, if I’m some sort of psychopath, or what. I decided to quit that operations career and go to law school. We’ll see how that pans out. You can do all sorts of shit with a JD.

It’s a paradox I suppose. If the truth is that their is no truth. It’s the same thing. The statement in itself can’t be proven true or false because it is both true and false. If we are talking very literally, than if everyone sees a different truth than either nothing would happen because no one could agree on anything, or anything and everything could happen. As for objective reality, for some people even reality isn’t reality. The philosophical idea of solipsism is the idea that the only thing that you can be certain truly exists is your own mind. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I believe that, but it’s an interesting thought that there are people that are not sure anything is true or real, even their own body. I guess that because the idea of truth can be subjective, anything or nothing could be any truth of any kind depending on your point of view.

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Thank you, but I'll sleep when I'm dead.