11–20 of 40 posts
I'm here to tell you that these things can be quite extraordinary when they happen to you.
Even if everyone in the line rides the same coaster, the plunge is still a thrill.
Every person I know, in their 20's, could have written the same post as OP... Myself included. Now they are all married with children... Myself included.
Of course, nowadays those plans are less taken for granted, considering many can't even get jobs.
Not quite sure what the point is... wake up sheeple? You might see me with my degrees, career, dog, child, wife and house and think I'm just another conveyor-belter, but hopefully one day you will realise that every person has a unique story to tell. Even the ones who might seem boring to you. You don't have to make a grand gesture of differentness in your clothing, music taste, beliefs or lifestyle to actually be di…
Yes, if you go into detail, all people are different. But overall, most people aren't, at least not in a way that matters. But I have to admit, those who make the difference aren't those who "proclaim their differentness".
That reminded me of this:
"I have expressed my strong interest in the mass of the people; and this is founded, not on their usefulness to the community, so much as on what they are in themselves. Indeed every man, in every condition, is great. It is only our own diseased sight which makes him little. A man is great as a man, be he where or what he may. The grandeur of his nature turns to insignificance all outward distinctions."
-- William Ellery Channing
One of the strange things about being 40 is meeting people my own age who have college-age children. It's amazing how little I have in common with people who chose that life track. They seem "old" to me, even though they're often several years younger than me. As though they've lived a lot more life than me, but not the "good" parts of life. I can't imagine how tough it must be to raise a family on an entry-level job…
I think OP should take a look at Maslow's hierarchy of needs : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs
I'm aware of the hierarchy - not sure how it adds to or detracts from my post though? Do you think we inevitably progress up the pyramid as we get older - because I don't think age or progression up a career ladder is particularly correlated with fulfilment of those needs.
The jobs 'higher up' the ladder are generally better paid, with better benefits and are more enjoyable.
If you're working 10 hour shifts with two kids and a tiny flat, you don't have much time or energy left to explore self-actualisation. You are living day-to-day, in a perpetual state of tiredness, stress and worry. The only way 'out' is to get a better job. Then you will feel pride, confidence, etc etc - most of the things on the hierarchy.
I can't help but think that you have never experienced poverty. That naivety is the only way I can understand why you'd think that "progression up the career ladder" is not correlated with fulfilment of Maslow's needs (or more broadly, the basic ability to live your life the way you want. To live freely.)
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'm aware of the hierarchy - not sure how it adds to or detracts from my post though? Do you think we inevitably progress up the pyramid as we get older - because I don't think age or progression up a career ladder is particularly correlated with fulfilment of those needs.
I don't understand how you can not see a correlation. The jobs 'higher up' the ladder are generally better paid, with better benefits and are more enjoyable. If you're working 10 hour shifts with two kids and a tiny flat, you don't have much time or energy left to explore self-actualisation. You are living day-to-day, in a perpetual state of tiredness, stress and worry. The only way 'out' is to get a better job. Then…
For people who are not in poverty, which I presume includes most of us here idly browsing Hacker News, do we descend down that hierarchy of needs as soon as we step off the conveyor belt?
I think there are more paths to fulfilment than you realise.
One of the strange things about being 40 is meeting people my own age who have college-age children. It's amazing how little I have in common with people who chose that life track. They seem "old" to me, even though they're often several years younger than me. As though they've lived a lot more life than me, but not the "good" parts of life. I can't imagine how tough it must be to raise a family on an entry-level job…
But, you know, you're priviledged here because you're a guy. For a woman it's not the best idea biologically to start having kids at 40.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don't understand how you can not see a correlation. The jobs 'higher up' the ladder are generally better paid, with better benefits and are more enjoyable. If you're working 10 hour shifts with two kids and a tiny flat, you don't have much time or energy left to explore self-actualisation. You are living day-to-day, in a perpetual state of tiredness, stress and worry. The only way 'out' is to get a better job. Then…
I can't spot the bit in my post where I said I knew what the answer to poverty was - but is the only option for people in poverty really to wait for a promotion? For people who are not in poverty, which I presume includes most of us here idly browsing Hacker News, do we descend down that hierarchy of needs as soon as we step off the conveyor belt? I think there are more paths to fulfilment than you realise.
I think the fact that every large society on the planet ever has been based on this model is important.
> is the only option for people in poverty really to wait for a promotion
You're overstating my position. Don't wait for an opportunity; create one. But yes, pretty much. There is simply no responsible alternative. You can't run off into the wilderness and fend for yourself. You have to live inside the system we have created. It's really not that oppressive. You should try it.
> I think there are more paths to fulfilment than you realise.
I think the paths that you see as one are many.
edit:
> do we descend down that hierarchy of needs as soon as we step off the conveyor belt?
No, we don't. Ah I see, so what you're advocating is retirement? I think we agree!