Standby

[enochs_fable]

So I'm back in the limbo of standby - waiting for the phone to ring, surfing the web and firing resumes off into the void. Possibilities tantalize me, but I know better than to put any faith in the mirages until something - anything coalesces into solid form. It's comforting in a weird way to know so many others who are looking for it - it proves

Comments

[verin_the_brown]

Wow, that's heavy.

I think you are being a little more pessimstic than is called for. I hope.

I had the naive belief in my youth that being reasonably intelligent and educated would be my passport to a decent life - that I'd be fine if I played it safe.

And you're sure you're not going to have a decent life?

How's that math going?

[enochs_fable]

Pessimistic how? I'm just randomly speculating about the future (as far as welfare capitalism goes), and am aware that doing so is rather pointless. Still I wonder.

I'm sure I'll do okay, actually, because of the support I have around me - but I suppose I'm more aware that just being intelligent and educated and reasonably hard-working isn't enough by itself - and how many wider factors there are in the world than can confound the best laid plans.

Math's progressing. Scheduling testing shortly, and continuing practice for what it's worth.

[verin_the_brown]

Pessimistic how?

Well, the picture you were painting seemed bleak.

[enochs_fable]

Well, at the moment, it is somewhat bleak. But things change. Plans are in the works.

[echoweaver]

Oooh, share.

[enochs_fable]

Nothing new than what I've said already, with the potential addition of a few new leads. But I always have new leads. The question is will any of them lead anywhere?

Too soon to tell. Magic 8-ball says "Try again later."

[echoweaver]

Yes, it did sound like a calm but bleak picture. I agree that "welfare capitalism" is in a crisis, but I'm not convinced it will be replaced by something worse. In many ways, our problem is that we live on the cusp of change.

I agree with your basic point, though, which is that intelligence and education can't always prepare you for what's ahead. It can help. And I think those things are helping you, too.

[enochs_fable]

I'm not convinced either - just wondering. I've seen interesting arguments advanced to the effect that the government, like those of Europe, may ultimately be expected to step in and pick up the slack where corporations have defaulted on their promises. We'll see, I suppose.