I'm 50, chronically ill, and terrified of growing old in our capitalist hellscape. Maybe our collective 2025 resolution should be rising up against these brutal systems of exploitation.
I wasn’t going to make any resolutions until I read this! I must be a contrarian. But it doesn’t matter as my resolutions are all very nebulous, and focused on morality, and I am constantly making them, and sometimes I improve slightly morally, while also declining in a capitalist-approvable way, and this nothing to do with resolution-making. E.g., my pandemic-inspired resolution not to argue with my family resulted in none of us cleaning the house in any substantial way for several years. But we argue much less!
Also, the feeling you describe is my least favorite feeling in the world. Constant uncertainty, lack of financial security, and it’s all on your shoulders to fix it continually? Absolute torture. I hope something materially beneficial happens where that feeling can abate for you (and for everyone honestly).
💔 Yes, physical torture is the greatest crime a person can do. It was invented long before America existed.
Of course my use is obviously colloquial.
Like 'working in data entry while fearing unemployment because you aren't fast enough is torture.'
Being hated by your parents because you are a failure is torture.
Being afraid your children will have ailments you can't afford to pay a doctor to cure because you failed to gain a job where that's possible is torture.
Watching your family squabble because they are hungry, and you believe the lack of food is your fault is torture.
The shame of having a broken down place to live infested by insects and rodents is torture.
I finally decided not to resolve. And yes, that feels just as pointless as resolving would be. I’d really rather not have this conversation with myself all the time. You’re right though. Most of us have to make the decision every day to do whatever the fucking job is so we can keep a roof overhead. At this late date, I’m not sure what else I would do with myself except read, knit, cook stuff and walk my dogs.
Thanks for calling out the whole resolving-not-to-resolve thing. The special gift of chronic hypercapitalist over-achievers is to make even taking it easy on yourself seem like a chore.
I'm 50, chronically ill, and terrified of growing old in our capitalist hellscape. Maybe our collective 2025 resolution should be rising up against these brutal systems of exploitation.
So starting a Substack in January would be an excellent example? Guilty as charged
yes! shame! shame!
I’ll have post explaining why I do something this every few panic attacks. ;)
I wasn’t going to make any resolutions until I read this! I must be a contrarian. But it doesn’t matter as my resolutions are all very nebulous, and focused on morality, and I am constantly making them, and sometimes I improve slightly morally, while also declining in a capitalist-approvable way, and this nothing to do with resolution-making. E.g., my pandemic-inspired resolution not to argue with my family resulted in none of us cleaning the house in any substantial way for several years. But we argue much less!
Arguing less is a fine trade for a messier house!
Also, the feeling you describe is my least favorite feeling in the world. Constant uncertainty, lack of financial security, and it’s all on your shoulders to fix it continually? Absolute torture. I hope something materially beneficial happens where that feeling can abate for you (and for everyone honestly).
A good wish for everyone, thanks. And the bad feeling is well described.
I do try to help people in the US be aware of using the term “torture“ lightly.
I believe it is one of our biggest exports.
💔 Yes, physical torture is the greatest crime a person can do. It was invented long before America existed.
Of course my use is obviously colloquial.
Like 'working in data entry while fearing unemployment because you aren't fast enough is torture.'
Being hated by your parents because you are a failure is torture.
Being afraid your children will have ailments you can't afford to pay a doctor to cure because you failed to gain a job where that's possible is torture.
Watching your family squabble because they are hungry, and you believe the lack of food is your fault is torture.
The shame of having a broken down place to live infested by insects and rodents is torture.
Obviously, not literal physical torture.
A metaphor. Mental torture.
I resolved not to go online before breakfast. Ha!
I finally decided not to resolve. And yes, that feels just as pointless as resolving would be. I’d really rather not have this conversation with myself all the time. You’re right though. Most of us have to make the decision every day to do whatever the fucking job is so we can keep a roof overhead. At this late date, I’m not sure what else I would do with myself except read, knit, cook stuff and walk my dogs.
you can't go wrong with walking the dog...
Thanks for calling out the whole resolving-not-to-resolve thing. The special gift of chronic hypercapitalist over-achievers is to make even taking it easy on yourself seem like a chore.