to those who think they aren't valuable to society

in response to this thread (and in general) http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x9266948#9266969

You do matter, and just because you can't list a bunch of fabulous accomplishments (and some of you that did list them and STILL have a low opinion of yourselves) doesn't mean you aren't valuable. JUST the fact that your progressive and generally compassionate emotions exist is a benefit. You know full well there is more than that, your actions and attitudes affect other people even the goofy right wing idiots. Have a little more confidence in yourself and your views! geez, no wonder they call us gloomy!

You aren't leaches, you aren't worthless. Just having a need helps OTHER people that have the same or deeper needs - the numbers are important. That thread made me sad. Everybody is worth something. Often people with nothing material to speak of are much more valuable for the human condition that those with much. Not to put down big accomplishments, those are cool, but surviving is pretty damn important too!

If we're lucky, someone will eventually pay a compliment or give thanks, but truly most of the good people who keep the world running just show up and do their work and don't get much in the way of thanks.

but those who could hire me do not. or rather, I keep hearing about positions being frozen so I've given up. after going to conferences in my field, after an excellent record, blahblahblah.

I can tell you that going back to school and getting your masters in a field that was supposed to be looking for people all the time and then graduating into the worst job market since the great depression and having to work a job below my skill level and below a living wage is not a real self-esteem booster.

so far I haven't killed myself because I think my kids are better off with me alive than dead.

but I can certainly understand those who do and why. I don't mean taking anyone out with you, I mean doing a cost/benefit analysis of society's determination of your worth v. the hassle and humiliation and deciding to get out with some dignity intact.

there is a lot more to this story that deals with an ex but this is where I am at this point.

oh, and I'm starting a (very small) biz to try to at least get up to a living wage. still no insurance. running out of savings. some days I hate this country.

Thats part of the problem. So many things can happen to you in work that are totally out of your hands, like being laid off or in your case having positions frozen.
I KNOW you have value to society, that being who you are and what you do personally, not whether or not you are employed. :hug:
Even if I was to lose my job today, I know my value to society..

:thumbsup:


lost

Solipsism is the philosophical idea that one's own mind is all that exists...The external world and other minds cannot be known and might not exist.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solipsism

Have a great day, everybody! :hi: