What Do You Do?
Trees out the front window are better than a house.
I’ve heard it said that in many parts of the world, when asked “What do you do,” people answer things like:
- I hang out with my friends and family.
- I play games.
- I sing.
- I grow flowers.
Lemony Snicket house.
In America, however, people almost always answer from the perspective of their job, such as:
- I’m a banker.
- I’m a barista.
- I’m going to school to be an accountant.
An attempt at composition doesn't help West.
I think that’s kind of sad, that people define themselves by their jobs. I know I’ve done that all my life, as well. I’ve grown up with the notion that you are largely defined by what your job is. I think a lot of us (at least in America) are that way. That’s why there’s this general feel that a Janitor is somehow a lesser person than a Banker. It’s not true, but that mentality is pervasive, even in our movies and stories.
Vertical composition gives a different feel.
Some people love their jobs, and really are defined by them. There’s nothing wrong with that. It may be the main reason they get up each day, because they’re so excited about it.
East. Big deal.
I’d like to feel that way. I’ve felt that way in the past, but then been let down. I generally have a larger vision and greater expectations than my employers. That’s not their fault—I just want to be doing more, making more of a difference, making things beautiful.
Onward.
Maybe someday, if you ask me what I do, I can answer “I hang out with my family, write songs, play music, grow flowers, and oh, yeah, I also do some work here and there.”
Getting control of what you do for work, for income, is probably the single best move you can make towards stabilizing your happiness.