Ideas for Better Work Distribution

It seems unfair to me that some people have jobs that utilise their creativity and/or critical thinking, and others don't. But how to distribute work so that all working people get a go at these more desirable jobs? What if we made it so that everybody had to participate in a combination of occupations? One could be a lawyer on Mondays, barista on Tuesdays, business manager on Wednesdays, actor on Thursdays, and chemist on Fridays. The following week, the same person could be a potter on Mondays, toilet cleaner on Tuesdays, architect on Wednesdays, artist on Thursdays and construction worker on Fridays. Then we'd go back to being a lawyer on Monday. 

Imagine if society cared enough about the human spirit to assign every person variety - the chance to participate in both interiority-enriching labour and do the necessary tasks which are considered less desirable but are nevertheless necessary for society to function. Everybody could be paid the same for their 'package' of assorted tasks. Educational institutions would flourish with everybody training (and retraining) on the regular. Everybody could have their turn being an academic, too. 

Such a distribution would eliminate job-related snobbery and increase empathy, because we would all know what it's like, being a toilet cleaner. People would be conceived of as having limitless potential, and nobody would feel like they're on the dead-end track. Regular, inbuilt variety brings new ideas and more cross-disciplinary solutions to the problems of the world. 

To ensure some consistency and specialisation, a worker could select which jobs they return to periodically (as long as there is a mix of them in their basket).

What I propose is radical, but it can be done. We only need to find the collective will to elevate human dignity. 

Trusting your instincts

In 2025, it's a regular occurrence to be overloaded with information. You can access hours' worth of reading material every day through the internet alone. To be a wise, discerning and sophisticated agent in this environment, you need to be in touch with your emotions on a regular basis and let them take centre stage. 

What does it mean to trust your instincts? It's about listening to when you feel encouraged by something. Tuning into what motivates you (and what doesn't). Doing more of what makes you feel fulfilled, or deeply contented. It can often mean making choices which diverge from how the majority would handle things.

That thing that works for your best friend may not work for you. Your parents' heartfelt advice might not truly meet your needs. If the words of a spiritual advisor don't ring true, don't try to mould yourself in their image. Letting go of 'time-honoured wisdom' that you realise secretly bothers you might be the best thing you can do. Be kind and curious when getting in touch with your feelings. You deserve the luxury of hearing yourself out. The path to self-awareness may seem labyrinthine, but the more you learn to rely on your intuition, the easier it gets.

Perfectionist Tendencies

One of the reasons I haven't written here for a while is that my perfectionistic tendencies have shown up strongly. I want to meet a high standard. Another reason is that I have been mired in indecision about my next life stage: do I pursue yet more travel, or something more responsible, like investing in shares? 

Life feels messy as ever, and I try to be my own psychologist and tidy up the clutter of my mind through these blogposts, but doing so publicly means that there is always a defensive filter. 

I agree with those who maintain that trying to be a good writer while not being a good reader is going to produce disappointing results. I've been reading a little bit more lately, and this seems to provide fuel for my creative fire. 

I've also been trying to appreciate Sydney through the eyes of a local - meeting up with new people, making a habit of going to the beach and drinking in the ambiance, and I've decided to invest in soundproofing my bedroom (to make my home a more comfortable environment). 

Two evenings ago I was waiting for mum by the car at Coogee Oval (a large space where sports events are often held), when I decided to take a selfie. Just as I was getting into it, a car's backlights illuminated me in a warm red colour. I grinned, and took three photos. This one is my favourite:

Sydney provides plenty of what I need to live a good life. It's not perfect, but neither is anyplace else. There are things about it that are rare and precious, like its brand of multiculturalism. There are things which are enabling and encouraging, like its green spaces, user-friendly streets, clean water, fresh air, accessible education system and world-leading medical care. I have decided that I belong here.