Ignore the idea of “work,” which could be any useful activity. A “job” is something that must be done, often for money. Finding a permanent “good desirable job” _ enough income to support lifestyle, a more or less pleasant way to spend paid hours _ is the holy grail of most in a corporate capitalistic society.
In olden days, we think, it was oh, so simple. Women raised children and took care of households _ or did menial or “immoral” chores. Men usually followed the footsteps of their fathers. Sure, there were exceptions, but those were exceptions. There is probably a kernel of truth in that generalization.
The increasing pace of industrial revolution and the changes of its technology upended all that. Less farmers, less artisan shoemakers, and eventually even less clerks were necessary. Lots of new jobs required more brains than brawn, providing openings for women. All that meant a constant upheaval as old trades vanished and new ones appeared as if from fantasy.
So there is a lot of choice open to a young person. And it is practically all about money _ we are far divorced from almost anyone being self-sufficient. We need electricity, food, even cell phones. And it all must be paid somehow.
So what is “desirable?” Working conditions, number of hours, satisfaction with accomplishment? Security? The most maddening issue is that the very definition of “desirable job” now mutates almost as rapidly as the requirements of the job itself.
It’s hard to feel comfortable when surrounded by constant anxiety. These days that’s what almost any job actually delivers.
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 