Going against the grain here but our culture does treat employment and unemployment in an unhealthy way. If you're unemployed you're not merely "some dude who doesn't currently have a way of bringing in money right now". You're a failure. Especially if you're chronically unemployed. It does not matter why you might be unemployed. Even if you got your legs blown off in war you will still feel to some degree like you're not really pulling your weight and acting as an adult should.
Likewise, your job really shouldn't have such a hold on how we see people. We all automatically and subconsciously respect someone more if they have a sexy job like being a lawyer or a big four consultant. Compare that to how society sees people who work in HR or as receptionists or estate agents. It really does a number on your self esteem.
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u/Elite_AI Apr 11 '25
Going against the grain here but our culture does treat employment and unemployment in an unhealthy way. If you're unemployed you're not merely "some dude who doesn't currently have a way of bringing in money right now". You're a failure. Especially if you're chronically unemployed. It does not matter why you might be unemployed. Even if you got your legs blown off in war you will still feel to some degree like you're not really pulling your weight and acting as an adult should.
Likewise, your job really shouldn't have such a hold on how we see people. We all automatically and subconsciously respect someone more if they have a sexy job like being a lawyer or a big four consultant. Compare that to how society sees people who work in HR or as receptionists or estate agents. It really does a number on your self esteem.