It is surprising how difficult it is to explain to people that I don't work. So difficult, in fact, that I have recently been in danger of a minor identity crisis resulting from the casual question, "Oh, so what do you do?". The socially acceptable answer begins with the words "I am a ...". It is an answer that I do not have at the moment. Even by training I am a professional schizophrenic impulse-driven vagabond. And so, who, exactly, am I?
(Let the record show, at this point, that although I am not employed, I actually do work. Hard and happily. More productively and more significantly than many employees. However, I do not have an employer, and do not receive a salary. I am very grateful that this is an option I am free to consider.)
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| Image: via Ernie Zelinksi |
Enter The Joy of Not Working by another professional vagabond, Ernie J. Zelinski. If ever there was a book that shuffled my social programming about the iconic Job, this is it. I picked up the book as a sly indulgence in a second-hand bookstore, but a few chapters into the furtive read, my attitudes towards employment and the work ethic were transformed. Yes, I even stopped hiding the cover when reading in public. Although Zelinski's own implementation of his philosophy may be a bit extreme (he exercises for two hours a day and is a bit more frugal than my accessory fetish would allow), his argument is compelling. It turns out that what he is opposed to is not work, but the societal pressure, materialistic drives and individual lack of imagination that keeps people trapped for long hours in jobs that do not fulfil them. When you think about it, it makes sense.
The Joy of Not Working is written "for the retired, unemployed and overworked", and though I don't really fit into any of these categories, the book not only restored my dignity but reminded me how fortunate I am to have a respite from the pressure, rush and powerlessness of employment. In fact, it opened my mind to start actively pursuing long-term alternatives to formal employment - while enjoying the situation I am in now for what it is.
Anyone who has left the workforce - especially without the intention - can benefit tremendously from a reading and re-reading of this book. But the people who need The Joy of Not Working most are the overworked - if only they will make the time!
"If work were so pleasant the rich would keep it to themselves."
- Mark Twain
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