I find it hard to think of any job that would feel meaningful, under capitalism–which is the only system I have experience with. Certainly no job I’ve ever had has felt so. Sure, I could lie to myself that looking at the work from a narrow view, from a certain angle, and in the right light, potential meaning beyond just making the rich richer, and eking out an existence for myself could be occasionally glimpsed, but that was always an obvious lie.
You can certainly frame your meaningless job in a meaningful way.
I am specialized in reducing waste and carbon emissions.
How do I do it? I reduce excess inventories and implement shipping routes that make sense (using less expensive and less wasteful means of transportation wherever possible).
Have you considered plumbing? Civil engineering? Becoming a physician or nurse? Installing solar panels? Even a fair amount of manufacturing does something that the world is better off for having it, and within that, supportive work is still meaningful because it enables that good to happen.
Yes, the distribution of resources and organization of labor are alienating in our society, but there’s work that improves the world and there’s satisfaction in doing it.
I find it hard to think of any job that would feel meaningful, under capitalism–which is the only system I have experience with. Certainly no job I’ve ever had has felt so. Sure, I could lie to myself that looking at the work from a narrow view, from a certain angle, and in the right light, potential meaning beyond just making the rich richer, and eking out an existence for myself could be occasionally glimpsed, but that was always an obvious lie.
You can certainly frame your meaningless job in a meaningful way.
I am specialized in reducing waste and carbon emissions.
How do I do it? I reduce excess inventories and implement shipping routes that make sense (using less expensive and less wasteful means of transportation wherever possible).
Healthcare was meaningful until they went corporate model now it sucks (admin/IT side)
Have you considered plumbing? Civil engineering? Becoming a physician or nurse? Installing solar panels? Even a fair amount of manufacturing does something that the world is better off for having it, and within that, supportive work is still meaningful because it enables that good to happen.
Yes, the distribution of resources and organization of labor are alienating in our society, but there’s work that improves the world and there’s satisfaction in doing it.
Mine feels good, provide electricity to thousands.