re: Long-term desk jobs and life

Just got moved from a mostly-office job back into 100% field work where I had been until 2 years ago. Although I enjoyed not dealing with the elements and briar patches, those 2 years as a desk jockey were miserable. Working a desk at the center of a bomb proof building. We couldn’t hear it rain or even know whether it was daylight or dark. One small window at the end of a hallway that we’d see when going to the restroom. Otherwise, we were cut off from anything outside. It was fricking painful after a while. Not looking forward to a swamp arse summer, but I was way healthier and happier when I was outside in the elements.

Yes, it is possible. Here are some things that can make it possible.

1. Don’t define your identity by your career. Have a meaningful life outside of work.
2. Find a job that you can mostly leave at the office when you walk out at the end of the day. Taking work home with you isn’t noble, though sometimes it’s unavoidable.
3. Don’t chase money. It requires you to compromise your principles at some point. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a financially successful career.


That’s a good start.

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do a desk/computer job for 40+ years?

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Yeah if you’re a woman

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I couldn't imagine myself working a deskjob for 40 years. I'm talking like an accountant, banker, etc The less time in the office at my desk the better. Some of those employees don't even have windows to the outside world. So that's going to be a hard no from me on this topic.

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Interesting to me. I've almost always had a window.

But I cannot imagine doing any kind of manual labor. I can't imagine being out and about and working with "the public" in any way. The public generally sucks.

I always wanted an office job. My one set of my parents owned their own struggling businesses in a small town and seemed to work a lot and not make much. They generally could take off when they needed to, but didn't have much to spend, so what's the point. Well, to them, they like their garden, etc. My dad is a doctor and worked a ton in his own practice.

Me, personally, I never wanted to work for myself. I always wanted an office job in a big nice skyscraper and to get to dress up and have an office and do something with business. I think I was persuaded by watching Dallas in the 70s! I did get that nice office, that skyscraper for a while, those business suits in the 80s and 90s along with some cushy business travel. I loved every minute of it. I think I grew up country and wanted to be "fancy." My other potential choices were computer programmer or attorney.