this post was submitted on 16 Jun 2026
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me_irl
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I think many people have children or other complicated life situations, and might not have the choice to participate in the grind or not...
Not too late for you to not have children.
EDIT: Realized how horrible that sounds. I mean, to use contraceptives.
I do use them, but I have an academic background and stable job with a permanent contract and good income. To make or to net make the decision of having children often comes from a very privileged position. However, the poor educated people with low ecosocionomic background are the ones who often become parent when they are very young adults or even youths. They are the ones that can't make this decision and have to suffer throughout their lifes with shitty jobs and shitty pay. If from such a position you try to create a better future for your children, you do need to make the grind.
Even throwing god out the window. I hope we can all agree on "5 days on, 2 days off shouldn't be the ideal work environment"
Most of the year (maybe even your life) is spent working to improve other peoples lives, rather than your own personal life.
Longer rant about my personal job
I work in education. I'm not in this for the paycheck. KFC night shifts payed more than my starting salary here.
I'm here for the smiles on kids faces. The eureka moments when they understand a topic. The hope that thy will carry the torch after I'm gone.
I wonder (even hope) if other public jobs like hospital workers and fire fighters feel the same way.