I was reading the post earlier today about someone who can’t imagine working their whole life til 65 or whatnot, and felt it was hopeless, I believe they or other commenters said they wanted to die.
I hope this might be helpful for those who want to find meaningful work. I work as a Hearing Aid Practitioner and think of this song/lyric when I walk home from harder days. I generally love the work & find personal fulfillment in helping others hear their communities and the world around them, but the ‘job’ can be frustrating.
There is a lyric by John K Samson, which may be an interpolation if a quote from Joanna Macy which I will include further below.
“And recommit yourself to the healing of the world
And to the welfare of all creatures upon it
Pursue a practice
That will strengthen your heart”
The lyrics are based on a quote from Joanna Macy’s book ‘Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in Without Going Crazy’
“I vow to myself and to each of you:
To commit myself daily to the healing of our world and the welfare of all beings.
To pursue a daily practice
that clarifies my mind, strengthens my heart,
and support me in observing these vows.”
I hope these help, and I hope some of you on this sub are able to remove yourself from cruel or demeaning work and find meaningful work wherever that may be. It is hard. I am privileged and was able to go back to school late in life to make a career change which life does not afford to most.
Take care of each other.
Edit to format & add: the song is “Post-Doc Blues” by John K Samson, found on his album Winter Wheat.