I’m doing my part
By: Victor Allenspach
Tags: Capitalism, Jobs, Consumerism, Self Improvement, Religion

Photo by Museums Victoria

Life goes by like a hurricane, with occasional moments of joy and sadness, which stand out in an ocean of tedious routine. Without taking too much risk, we avoid conflicts and embrace the comfort of choices that are socially accepted, which can make life a little monotonous, but increases the chance of reaching retirement well. Perhaps that is the sole purpose of most people, a good retirement.

Unlike a career and the university we dream of, the friends we would like to have and the places we would do anything to get to know, we are suffocated by jobs that pay the bills. That’s because, in fact, we are not really willing to “do everything”. At least, nothing that is risky.

A job that pays the bills is precisely what keeps us from moving forward and trying new things. It is not what we want, but it is safe, perhaps guaranteed and comfortable. Above all, a job is always charged with the feeling that we are doing our part. Because that is what society expects of us, that we are not unemployed, a cost for the collective.

However mediocre work on a production line, office or store counter is, you are doing your part because you are making money. Continuing with this job is the most comfortable and socially accepted decision, almost like marrying the first person who smiles back, for fear of never having an altar photo album.

Living costs money, and any decision that does not involve earning it is risky. Especially when it comes to a low-income family, without assets and inheritances. Which also explains why the wealthy are more likely to achieve a profession where they feel fulfilled.

Rich people don’t have the burden of paying bills, but that doesn’t mean they are free to contribute to society. That is why heirs of fortunes call themselves entrepreneurs or investors, even if the only occupation they have is to buy, sell or make investments with the help of trained professionals. They are considered socialites, philanthropists or protectors of animals, but never, unoccupied. In common, professions that have no bosses, time requirements and not even the need to be really profitable.

For the rest, as long as they have a job, there is no need to pursue greater goals. With a job we are already doing our part and it does not make sense to take chances and strive to achieve uncertain professional fulfillment. In fact, those who take such risks are seen as irresponsible. They are those who give up everything that is right for the chance to have a small business, or worse, to pursue an artistic career.

For society, personal goals matter as long as you are financially successful. Then you become an exception to the rule, the one who managed to achieve your dream and still meet the demand of society. Until you were successful, you were a bad example, because you lived a bohemian life, performing in bars for change or spending your days painting pictures. From the moment you are recognized, and perhaps gain some fame, society overestimates your effort and turns you into a hero. An example of what is possible, although not recommended. After all, if you succeeded, it is because you are a genius. It is because your effort is above average and most would never succeed anyway.

Maybe you really are a genius or have tried harder than average, but that shouldn’t make you an example. On the contrary, if the only path to personal success depends on genius or superhuman dedication, then the error is not in those who are unable to meet this requirement, but in the society that makes it necessary.

Society discriminates against personal fulfillment, as a way of safeguarding those who will never achieve. So everyone can count on a consolation prize for being obedient and not stealing too much attention for themselves, certain that taking risks is not good for the collective. Thus, we subvert the concept of success and simplify personal fulfillment for something that everyone can achieve, including those who will spend their entire lives in a job that pays the bills: money.

Real estate, cars, travel and everything else money can buy have become the symbols of personal success. It doesn’t matter whether you study, discover, develop skills or strive to build and design new things. Even those who are successful in their personal searches are not valued if this is not reflected in financial achievements. The important thing is to have purchasing power, preferably, that you can expose to society with clothes and travel photos. Consumption systematically overlaps or is associated with personal achievements.

In the modern world of jobs that pay the bills, creators and thinkers are overwhelmed by the mass of consumers, for the benefit, not the economy, as their defenders guarantee, but only a few entrepreneurs, manufacturers and traders. All who get rich supported by the current model.

Since the specialization of work, which arose with living in complex societies, through agriculture and industry, all human development has resulted in the creation of better occupations for some and worse for many. In order for society to deal with such large differences in treatment, it was necessary to improve palliative care. Religions, which have always fulfilled the role of alleviating existential issues, have also started to alleviate the harshness of life, with promises of eternal happiness and progression in the next plans.

The modern world we live in is the next stage, when human progress expands access to information, which eventually becomes knowledge. Religions are no longer enough, because those who have the worst jobs do not accept waiting for the next life anymore, or even believe in it.

Cinema, games and all different forms of leisure and entertainment expand rapidly as an alternative to minimally alleviate the reality of not belonging to privileged groups, without having to threaten them. At the top of palliative care, consumption offers immediate comfort to the effort exerted, which is confused with achievement, alienating the majority in favor of society itself.

We are zombies, because the society we shape does not need creative and cultured minds, it needs workers to keep the organism functioning. All because the development model requires mediocre jobs. All because we do not prioritize our efforts to formulate and implement a new development model.

The system does not matter, it is a human invention, like all others. It can change. What has no turning back are the people who waste their lives every day with mediocre occupations.