It's Official: I'm Dropping Out.

[StellaBlue]

That's it.

I am no longer going to play the game, try to "make it", give a rat's ass what the elite will think, keep up with the Joneses, join the rat race, or be a teamplayer. Finito.

I no longer want to run on the treadmill. I don't want to work under flourescent lighting. I refuse to give my job more importance than my personal relationships. I don't care what the TV and magazines say I should wear, or which celebrities are getting divorced. I have no desire to impress anyone. I don't "present myself" or "make a good impression" or have an "image". I won't bury my anger under the convenience of conformity. I am tired of the little, quickly amassing lies. I refuse to destroy my soul in the name of "work". I will NOT be drug-tested. I will NOT shut the fuck up. I will NOT be intimidated. I will NOT act like a lady.

There are things I value more than half-caff-soy-lattes, new cars, brand names. Freedom. Ideas. Beauty.

You only live once.

[Lochloosa]

1. Drop another hit and call me in the morning....

:evilgrin:

[Kukesa]

6. LOL -- good one, Loch. nt

[Cha]

14. LOL!

:evilgrin:

[Teaser]

2. ibid

"you only live once"

I'm just aiming to make my "once" last a few millennia. Figure I'll get bored by then.

[devilgrrl]

3. Here here!

:-)

[Greyhound]

4. Congratulations and welcome to the real world!

Now if we can just get 100 million or so to follow our example... :patriot:

[skypilot]

5. Can I have your treadmill?

*

[RagingInMiami]

7. Timothy Leary's dead

No, no, no. He's outside looking in.

[xmas74]

96. That's my dad's favorite song.

[leftchick]

99. yah!

:)

[SteppingRazor]

8. The easy way to avoid all of those feelings...

is to find a job that doesn't destroy your soul. After that, it's not a rat race, it's not more important than personal relationships, and so on. It's just fun.

As for the image-conscious rest of your rant, good for you. The more people burn the department-store catalogs that come in the mail, the closer we are to world peace.

[VolcanoJen]

9. I left the Rat Race ten years ago...

... and became a bartender.

I've never been happier.

Here's to Dropping Out!!
:toast:

http://tavernwench.blogspot.com

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

118. That's what I want to do.

Hell, my one friend constantly gets shit for having two graduate degrees and working as a bartender. Meanwhile, she makes more money than she would as a social worker, drives a nice car, and has a really nice work schedule doing something she loves. Who cares if the degrees are wasted?

[sweetheart]

10. cool

:toast: to freedom

[Swamp Rat]

11. "Getting in Tune"

I'm singing this note 'cause it fits in well
With the chords I'm playing
I can't pretend there's any meaning here
Or in the things I'm saying

But I'm in tune
Right in tune
I'm in tune
And I'm gonna tune
Right in on you
Right in on you
Right in on you

I get a little tired of having to say
"Do you come here often?"
But when I look in your eyes and see the harmonies
And the heartaches soften

I'm getting in tune
Right in tune
I'm in tune
And I'm gonna tune
Right in on you (right in on you)
Right in on you (right in on you)
Right in on you

I've got it all here in my head
There's nothing more needs to be said
I'm just bangin' on my old piano
I'm getting in tune with the straight and narrow
(Getting in tune with the straight and narrow)
Getting in tune with the straight and narrow
(Getting in tune with the straight and narrow)
Yeah, I'm getting in tune with the straight and narrow
(Getting in tune with the straight and narrow)

I'm singing this note 'cause it fits in well
With the way I'm feeling
There's a symphony that I hear in your heart
Sets my head a-reeling

But I'm in tune
Right in tune
I'm in tune
And I'm gonna tune
Right in on you (right in on you)
Right in on you (right in on you)
Right in on you

Baby, with you
Baby, with you
Baby, with you
Baby, with you
Baby, with you

I've got it all here in my head
There's nothing more needs to be said
I'm just bangin' on my old piano
I'm getting in tune with the straight and narrow

Getting in tune with the straight and narrow...

- The Who

[StellaBlue]

15. funny you should mention that

I just got my piano brought down to my new home last week - when I excavate it from under the pile of books, I might have to play it in your honor.

:hi:

[Swamp Rat]

22. Can you play this one?:

:D

No one knows what its like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes

No one knows what its like
To be hated
To be fated
To telling only lies

But my dreams
They arent as empty
As my conscience seems to be

I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
Thats never free

No one knows what its like
To feel these feelings
Like I do
And I blame you

No one bites back as hard
On their anger
None of my pain and woe
Can show through

But my dreams
They arent as empty
As my conscience seems to be

I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
Thats never free

When my fist clenches, crack it open
Before I use it and lose my cool
When I smile, tell me some bad news
Before I laugh and act like a fool

If I swallow anything evil
Put your finger down my throat
If I shiver, please give me a blanket
Keep me warm, let me wear your coat

No one knows what its like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes

[StellaBlue]

29. Not yet. n/t

[DarkTirade]

48. I'm working on that one on guitar right now...

not that hard a song actually.

[Buns_of_Fire]

78. Oh, yes. My theme song.

Or so my ex once told me.

The image of a wannabe Pete Townsend, with his fingertips bloody, growling out the bridge, remains with me to this day. That image was me, since usually after that song, we did "Won't Get Fooled Again".

But I'm not schizophrenic.

No, I not.

Yes, I am.

[Swamp Rat]

86. Tucker, is that you?

:D

[Dudley_DUright]

97. LOL

I just went on a Who kick on my guitar the last few days and one of the first songs I learned was "Gettin In Tune". Now I am working on "Pinball Wizard".

[stepnw1f]

16. Great Song, Swamp Rat

Appropriate too. Love the Who.

On edit: I almost called you "Swamp Thing"... changed it though.

[Swamp Rat]

24. I can hear their songs in my head

I don't even need a CD player, etc. - aural memory... though, I do wish I still had the recordings. ;)

I'm going home
And when I wanna go home
I'm going mobile

Well, I'm gonna find a home
And we'll see how it feels
Going mobile
Keep me moving

I can pull up by the curb
I can make it on the road
Going mobile

I can stop in any street
And talk with
People that we meet
Going mobile
Keep me moving

Out in the woods or in the city
It's all the same to me
When I'm driving free
The world's my home
When I'm mobile

Hee, hoo
Beep, beep

Play the tape machine
Make the toast and tea
When I'm mobile

Well, I can lay in bed
With only highway ahead
When I'm mobile
Keep me moving

Keep me moving
Over fifty
Keep me grooving
I'm just a hippie gypsy

Come on move now
Moving
Keep me movin, yeah

Keep me moving
Grooving, grooving, yeah
Moving, yeah
Mobile, mobile, mobile, mobile....

I don't care about pollution
I'm an air-conditioned gypsy
That's my solution
Watch the police and
The tax man miss me
I'm mobile

Ooh, yeah, hee

Mobile, mobile, mobile, yeah

[Clark2008]

45. I love The Who.

eom

[Selatius]

12. Good! I like a person with a little rebellion in his blood.

"Take this job and shove it!"

People like you are what the boss fears most.

[StellaBlue]

18. funny you should mention that, too

One of my friends thought of just the same song yesterday when I told him I'd quit my law-firm job after one day (they expected a 60-hour-work-week with no vacation time and for about $30K - NOT worth it, to me, so I walked out).

I like that sentiment. Government and all forms of authority should fear the people.

I like that star, too... I've ben trying to decide for MONTHS what form of a star I am going to get inked with... I think I will add that to the finalists folder.

[Selatius]

27. Go and use it, the colors are associated with left libertarianism anyway

Several others here have signatures or avatars with the red and black flag with the diagonal border. I'm a moderate libertarian socialist myself. It should give you a clue to our political outlook on things.

[StellaBlue]

13. FYI, I am not actually using any drugs

It's just the principle of the thing. REALLY pisses me off. :mad:

[stepnw1f]

19. I'm with Ya Stella

I did the same a few years back. I gave up... I won't let the bastards use me as some consumer cow.

[charlie]

32. Hey

Don't let anyone give any shit about it. You're talking sense.

[rucky]

56. Sounds to me like you finally sobered up.

:)

[Cha]

17. Welcome to the

Club!

[Stinky The Clown]

20. I dropped out 13 years ago

I have yet to look back.

[alfredo]

25. I dropped out Aug 22 1969.

I have gotten straight jobs, but none that required drug tests. Sorry, I won't work for anyone who thinks they own my body. I've been mostly drug free for over 30 years. Been known to use the herb for my arthritis, but only if it gets to the point where I just can't handle it. (my stomach is messed up from arthritis meds. Aspirin and others hurt like hell)

I never got rich, but I have enjoyed my life to the fullest.


Fuck the ruling class and their rules.

[madokie]

43. You could say I dropped out in jan '05,

and I never had a job I had to go pissing to get or keep.

[Stinky The Clown]

44. I still have what appears to be a 'normal' job

But I work at my profession with two like minded partners, not for a big company with rules and such.

We pick our clients and make sane choices NOT to do work for certain people. We probably make a bit less money some years than we might otherwise, but we also have years we make more. But in the end, what's important is that quality of life thing. I'm waaaaaaay morfe productive (when I need to be) in my tee shirt and shortz, on my laptop on the deck, than in some shitty office with shitty people following shitty rulez for shitty bosses.

[alfredo]

54. A person is happier when they are in charge

of their own life.

[LSK]

80. what herb?

My dad is getting arthritis and his stomach cant handle meds much either.

[kestrel91316]

112. Uh, the ILLEGAL one, lol.

[StellaBlue]

21. Is there an anarcho-socialist activism forum?

I'm ready to put it all out there.

I no longer WANT any job that precludes me from street protest.

[RufusEarl]

23. Tune in, Turn on and Drop out. TL

[Canuckistanian]

28. In that order?

I haven't read the manual yet.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

26. Stellaaaa!! Good for you! Freedom is sweet.

[CrispyQ]

30. ~smile

I no longer want to run on the treadmill. I don't want to work under flourescent lighting. I refuse to give my job more importance than my personal relationships. I don't care what the TV and magazines say I should wear, or which celebrities are getting divorced. I have no desire to impress anyone. I don't "present myself" or "make a good impression" or have an "image". I won't bury my anger under the convenience of conformity. I am tired of the little, quickly amassing lies. I refuse to destroy my soul in the name of "work". I will NOT be drug-tested. I will NOT shut the fuck up. I will NOT be intimidated. I will NOT act like a lady.

These are admirable goals. There was a short period of time when American labor sought to define affluence as leisure time. It was before WWII & some unions were actually pushing for a 30 hour work week -- 5 six hour days. How fucking nice would that be? Six hour days!!! Things happened (war), forces conspired against a relaxed world view (television & Madison Avenue) & we are now caught up in a tragic cycle of consumerism that will destroy us if we don't recognize the pitfalls of this lifestyle.

There are things I value more than half-caff-soy-lattes, new cars, brand names. Freedom. Ideas. Beauty.

You only live once.

"Time is the essence of our lives." --engraved on a sundial in the opening scene of Gone With the Wind.

[StellaBlue]

34. BINGO!

I love GWTW. That part always makes me smile, too. :hi:

[CrispyQ]

46. When I read that quote engraved on the sundial,

something deep inside clicked, that changed my perspective forever after. The essence of what our life really is -- time, not things.

He who dies with the most toys, still dies. --bumper sticker philosophy


:hi:

[hippywife]

91. Same thing happened to me

when I saw Easy Rider and he throws his watch into the dust as they take off on their ride. I was 11 years old and never forgot it. :hi:

[joefree1]

114. He who dies with the most toys is a dead guy with a lot of toys

My moment of Zen.

[JuniperLea]

31. Welcome to my world... all are welcome... come into the light

I used to work for the heir to a distillery fortune... ran my ass ragged with investment management duties AND duties with their indie film production company... calls at all hours, ridiculous requests for anything from how the bananas will be cut on the fruit tray for their private jet flight to calling from the other side of the world in the middle of the night to change itinerary plans. Part of the job was keeping up on corporate AND Hollywood news.

I can proudly say I've never watched American Idol and don't give a rat's butt who wins... don't care who is dating who, who is having a baby, plastic surgery, etc.

I have a new job and I don't have to be anyone but myself, don't have to kiss anyone's ass... heaven:)

I still have to work under the blue lighting, but I'm much happier with a new set of priorities. And the boss knows if one of my kids call, or my SO, or I have something special I want to do, I'm outta here. I work hard for him and he supports my private life.

I'm so sick of pretentious assholes... I'll never, ever let myself take a job like that again. And when I see pretentious behavior, I treat that person like the two-year-old child they are.

I've worked for billionaires more than once and I can tell you, all the fancy homes, cars, private jets, private chefs and designer clothes in the world don't make you a better person and most likely it will make you quite the opposite. And when it's your time to leave this plane, you go. No amount of money, status or class warrior tactics will lengthen your stay here.

Best wishes to you and your awakening... life is what you make it. Make it a good one!

[Gregorian]

33. HEY! That's not dropping out.

You just joined US!

I would like to give a bit of advice, though. There is one hazard that I am just now getting over. Having "dropped out" around thirty years ago, I am just now perfecting the art of not being guilty. Depending on who your friends and family are, this can be a pretty rough ride.

All I can say is congratulations. Put on your blue jeans. And like we used to say back in 1976, in a quasi-ironic way "Peace, love, and get a job!". :)

[StellaBlue]

37. That reminds me of Meathead

Last year I broke up with an investment banker who my parents didn't approve of (because he was English and an atheist). I told my dad he should've latched on to that one while he had the chance, cause I ain't never bringing another one of them home again! haha. I told him he'll be getting a Meathead next time, for sure. :)

1976. Ha.

[BeFree]

98. Yep

getting over the guilt of not conforming to the rest of society is STILL my hardest part. But given that everything else is cool (except the stolen election) the guilt is rather insignificant.

Being free of the conformity is liberty at its finest, and is what, to me, the American dream is all about.

BeFree

[Momgonepostal]

35. Love the Google ads for treadmills at the top...lol

Seriously, though. How are you planning on earning a living after "dropping out?"

[StellaBlue]

40. I'm temping at the state university at the moment, but...

I am doing a distance MLS and am going to become an academic librarian or perhaps an archivist. I have an existing MA in a relevant subject, and there are plenty of jobs going in this field around here. Figure after about 2-3 semesters of the program, I am good to go. Currently applying for library assistant/entry level positions.

I also have very low outgoings, except for my student loans (I am paying for my current course as I go). I live in an amazing 1950s concrete-walled apartment in downtown Austin, Texas, with palm trees, a pool, parking, walking distance to the Whole Foods flagship store... $550. $30 electricity. Cable included. What more could one want from life? The only reason I would consider moving from here was if I had a baby.

[Caoimhe]

55. you done made me go and turn ads back on

jus ta see what the heck you was talkin bout!

think i'll leave em on mmmm hmmm

[conflictgirl]

36. If I didn't have kids, I might do the same

I'm totally with you on not valuing the material possessions we're told we're supposed to want, in wanting to avoid the corporate culture, and not wanting to "wear the mask" or play the game.

You can opt out of a lot of the consumerism whether you work or not. But I sincerely wish you luck in trying to get by without a job. The economy is just looking worse and worse, and trying to survive is a struggle in itself.

[ramapo]

38. It's those damn responsibilities

Health insurance and tuition are my two biggies now.

[screembloodymurder]

39. Welcome!

I quit the rat race last August. It's a rigged game. Ride a bike, chop wood, plant a garden and pay no taxes.

[StellaBlue]

41. Unfortunately, I have to have a "real job"

Ironically enough, because of my existing student loans. But I am determined to get into the library'archives field, and work in an academic library, because that's where my heart is. The fact that I can support mself doing this is the best discovery I've made in the past year.

I am dropping out of the rat race, though.

I am also writing a book. So, if by chance that should suddenly take off and make me some money, I might not even have to have a real job. I'm talking in like 20 years. I really want to write.

[Vanje]

116. Do you need an illustrator?

Email me. Ill send you my portfolio.

[ananda]

42. I hear you!

That's partly why I just retired.

Life just gets better and better every day now.

Sue

[formercia]

47. Welcome

Next step is to wean yourself out of buying the latest widget. Think small, think beautiful.

[StellaBlue]

49. My apartment is 450sq ft

Small! Love it! Less to clean.

I do have too many clothes, though. ;)

[midnight]

110. Good for you Stella.

Less is more.

[gollygee]

50. WOO HOO

It is freeing, to not care what other people think. I stopped doing that ages ago, when I got tired of my aggressive and competitive job and got an easy job with little responsiblity and no prestige :D Now I don't have an outside job - I stay home and take care of the house and family and I love it.

My husband feels the same way. He says, "I work to live. I do not live to work." So he doesn't compete or care how far he advances. He makes enough to keep us fed and clothed and sheltered, and he has leisure time. That's good enough for me. We don't need brand new cars or 2,000 more feet of living space than we'd use anyway.

[eleny]

51. Congratulations!

[Initech]

52. I agree. I hate consumer culture.

I'm sick of ads on TV telling me how to look or dress, etc. I'm sick of being told what I should want. I dont give a rat's ass about the tragedy du jour or what celebrity couple is fucking or even what a "Brangelina" is. I dont read Us Magazine or Time. I dont drink $4 lattes every day. I cant even name five products made by Pepsi. I'm also sick of paying $50 every time I fill up my car. Hell, if I could live in a city like New York where I could live off mass transportation, I'd do it.

In short - I really dont give a shit about this stuff.

[LSK]

53. ok, tell me how to REALLY DO THAT

I dont have bigscreen TVs, digital cable, no car payments, no huge McMansion, no DVD collection, etc etc etc.

I HAVE a mortgage. I HAVE to eat. I HAVE to keep the heat on during the winter.

You tell me HOW I can get rid of this pain in the ass 9-5 job.

I dont give a crap about a consumer life but I still have to go to work everyday.

Im waiting to hear the answers......

[StellaBlue]

57. Well...

I AM going to have to work everyday. But I'm not going to do work that destroys my soul. I'd rather work three waitressing jobs.

I don't have kids (most important thing), I don't have a mortgage (low rent - see above), I don't drive very often (live downtown, walk everywhere). I'm only 26 (27 in 4 short weeks). I have loads of student loans, but I've refinanced them to a just-manageable level. I plan to drive my car into the ground (and it's a cheap one). I don't smoke. What else can I say?

I just don't want to get into the trap where I have a mortgage, an accountant, a Life Plan, a career, goals, and then realize when I'm 40 that it's all bullshit and I'd rather have a life. Then it's too late, because you have a mortgage, kids, etc., and you CAN'T ESCAPE.

I think a lot of people my age are seeing this and thinking, "What's the point?". Brings to mind a post I saw last week about how the big lawyer mill firms are having trouble recruiting people my age because they don't want to sacrifice their lives to become partner. They want reasonable hours, benefits, flex time, balance.

[LSK]

64. i think you are confusing good things with consumer culture

Bad = new car ever other year, bigscreen tv, digital cable, new McMansion, keeping up with the Jones

Good = affordable mortgage, some kind of retirement plan

If you dont save or get a mortgage, you will be 60 and STILL paying rent and working.

Not me. My mortgage will be paid for in 10 years at my current rate (before im 45).

So I think you kinda are on the right track rejecting consumer culture, but dont be stupid about your financial future either.

[StellaBlue]

69. Try finding an affordable house in Austin, Texas

The only affordable ones are crap track houses out in the decidely red suburbs. No, thanks. I would like to buy an apartment downtown, but they now start at about $170,000. And seeing as how I do not and have never been able to earn enough to save any money, and I don't see a marriage-economic-contract/dual income in my future... not really expecting to buy a house. Ever. :(

I hope, once I get a librarian position, to be able to save for the future, though. Owing $45,000 in student loans at age 21 kinda gets you off to a bad start, though...

[greatauntoftriplets]

72. To this Chicagoan, a $170,000 house sounds very affordable.

n/t

[StellaBlue]

75. Compared to my previous expectations for my life in the UK, VERY reasonabl

e

The average 2/3 bed duplex over there goes for about $450,000. With no yard to speak of, one bathroom.

I think I'll get there eventually. But I'm not going to beat myself up about it, or set silly corporate-self-help book goals like "I will own my own home by age 30".

;)

[greatauntoftriplets]

101. $450,00 in London isn't bad...

I have visited many times and figured that anyplace desirable now would be above a million.

Recently sold a house on the far north side of Chicago for well over a half million. This was a 90-something year old house being sold as is.

Had it been updated, the price would have approached a million.

[StellaBlue]

105. That estimate was the AVERAGE

Two of my friends are currently trying to buy a 450 square foot flat in far South London for about $420,000. Then there's the council tax.

[LA lady]

85. good luck

Well, I see you ignored my PM!:eyes:

[LuckyLib]

84. Having a mortgage is not all it's cracked up to be. One financial

guru described it as the only thing you're in hock to that you call an "investment." The housing market may not continue on into the future at the same rate (California cannot sustain starter homes at $300,000) and with folks mortgaged up to the eyeballs (and getting equity loans to spend out of those houses), and with other economic pieces affecting housing, the house of cards could eventually collapse. In many cases, it makes sense to rent.

[LSK]

93. just because people do stupid things with mortgages

Doesnt mean its a bad idea. Do it right (20% down, fixed rate) and you will be counting your blessings later down the road.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

60. I had a rat-filled office lifestyle, 7:30 - 6, 1/2 sat, and more

medi-dumb sized law office, slaving away, chasing ye almighty billable hour, and fuck what happens to the client. Went solo 3 years ago, and have never, EVER regretted it. mind you, I cannot afford this trimmings I once had, I haven't had a vacation in a while, and I count each penny, but the upside has been peace, quiet, contented feelings of helping those in the most need, and many "fuck you's" to our loving, tender insurance industry.

[LSK]

66. what work do you do?

[ChairmanAgnostic]

76. civil work, mainly,

with a surprising growth in estates, wills, domestic relations and general litigation.

that and writing.

[Iowa]

102. I did it...

It took 13 years of living below my means, a job with decent benefits that lasted for the duration, living in a relatively low cost rural area, and understanding personal finance/investments.

Changing careers can help, I suppose. But most jobs, no matter how great they might appear to the outside observer, have a massive amount of bullshit built into them that isn't obvious until you're actually in them. So I opted to get out altogether.

[shadowknows69]

58. Go Stella!

:toast:

[democrank]

59. StellaBlue....BRAVO!!!!

Your post really made my day.

It`s surprising how easy it is once you`ve made the decision to free yourself from the rat race. I couldn`t care less what anyone thinks about what I wear, what I drive or how much is in my yard sale wallet. Freedom is the reward for my willingness to "make do" and I have NEVER had regrets about the anti-rat race decision I made decades ago.

My best to you. Enjoy!

[Sugar Smack]

61. Kicked, reccommended,

and bookmarked. :loveya:

LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[StellaBlue]

62. Thanks people.

I feel like, since I can, I have to do this.

:hi:

Thanks for the support, encouragement, and solidarity. I'm inspired by two of my high school teachers, the best ones I had, who inspired me in general regarding knowlegde. They burned out on teaching and are now in the corporate world, selling textbooks, which they mostly enjoy. But the thing that inspires me most is that, when they retire in another ten years or so, they intend to become full-time political activists. Kick ass.

[StellaBlue]

63. My ultimate goal

Working part-time.

Possibly buying a 1920s/30s, 2/3 bed frame house.

Traveling in an old, used Airstream.

Spending the rest of my time volunteering/protesting.

[leftyladyfrommo]

65. I've thought about just selling the house and getting a small

trailer and a truck. That would be fun. For a while.

[LSK]

71. i thought of that too

But you cant do that forever without a really large nest egg.

Im bidding my time putting up with the ratrace but saving money for early retirement.

[leftofthedial]

67. more than half-caff-soy-lattes?

are you sure?

:hi:

Welcome to the club

[Uncle Joe]

68. You rock Stella!

:yourock:

[StellaBlue]

70. You're just saying that

because I, too, am pushing HARD, grassroots, for
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v

[mdmc]

74. since your on line

I would suggest selling un-needed clothes on ebay.

[Blue_Tires]

73. well, obviously you haven't watched enough commercials!

(the preceding opinion has been brought to you by your friends at Chevrolet and your local area Chevrolet dealers.....Chevrolet: An American Revolution!)

lol


great post!

[nolabels]

77. I say that all the time

Really, truth be told, all you need is your self and your health and the rest is all B.S.

[emcguffie]

79. Sounds great. Just tell me how you're going to make a living.

That's what keeps hanging me up.

Gee, I'd just like to get out of this part of the country.

But I have one of those "bureaucratic" jobs, where you're really afraid once you leave that that you will be unemployable. Unless, of course, you've just come from the White House.

[Tin Man]

81. Follow your bliss, Stella... I've got a story for you, too...

Years ago, I listened as a young friend recounted the story of leaving California and driving cross-country to the East Coast. At the time, she had no job prospects, and only her belongings in the back of the car - just driving away from the old and familiar, and off into the new and unknown.

I said, "Wow, that must have been scary!"

She said, "No, it was liberating!"

Flash forward to the present. Like yourself, I too recently 'dropped out' from a 20 year career in software and DOD work, which I had really grown to detest, despite the handsome salary. Started a business with a soul, and I'm loving every minute of it.

It's still early, and the risk of failure hasn't yet passed into the rear-view mirror,
but I'm here to tell ya... It's not scary; it's liberating

Good luck! :)

[wordpix2]

82. I did that in the '70's and '80's. Unfortunately, farming doesn't pay a

living wage. :(

[Deja Q]

90. And to truly survive on one's own, more land and pesticides than

what one can feasibly get.

[JackDragna]

83. Are you married?

Because I think I love you. Welcome to the process of getting your own soul back.

[StellaBlue]

106. No, and I don't want to get married

But you could be my boyfriend ;)

[Deja Q]

87. Good luck.

The last time I tried to be an individual I nearly killed myself. And I'm too damn good and intelligent a person to do that.

I want acceptance, those out there know I want acceptance, and I'll do what it takes. So, in a way, I'm dropping out too.

[robinlynne]

88. I love it.

Sounds like it should be read in the same tempo as "the revolution will not be televised".
(if you're over 45, you'll remember.)

[StellaBlue]

107. I'm about to turn 27

but I do remember

:D

[zippy890]

89. Keep us posted, Stella!

may be looking to join you.

interested in what your focus of activities becomes.

If I was younger I think I'd get into some creative political graffiti.
I know it sounds silly, but i think I'd be good at it.
:evilgrin:

[hippywife]

92. Welcome to the world I like to call

downwardly mobile and proud of it! :hi:

[porphyrian]

94. Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke.

Good for you. Take back what's yours.

[IronLionZion]

95. fuck treadmills, you just go nowhere fast

it's much better to go outside IMHO. I haven't had a drug test since I applied for an internship in 2004. My current job doesn't care about shit like that. We have all kinds of characters.

Good for you for running your own life and not trying to be something you're not. Here's to keeping it real :toast:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

100. May I suggest "Beef in Gravy?"

More flavor than "Mixed Grill."




"Yum!"

"Blech!"

[proud patriot]

103. Welcome

:pals:

[Comadreja]

104. Win the lottery or get your inheritance?

Only the rich and/or homeless can "drop out."

[StellaBlue]

108. ha - no

I hate those people.

I just figure I should make something of my life while I am still young enough to have a chance to escape.

[seabeyond]

109. F R E E D O M ............you go girl. did it years ago

nuthin better.

[radwriter0555]

111. This is why we start our own businesses, or trade our own stocks or

buy and sell our own houses or do whatever we can to NOT cram our bodies into the restrictive CONFORMITY boxes that society believes we must all fit into in order to be acceptable.

[BrklynLiberal]

113. Excellent decision.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

115. More power to you!

:applause:

[Tsiyu]

117. At 26, you are making the best decision of your life

:applause:

You are young enough to see the damage caused by trying to compromise. Stress is not going to kill you as it does so many others sacrificing everything to have the perfect house and car and the myriad accoutrements of perceived affluence.

Challenges will strengthen you when you are charting your own course, rather than draining you as they do when others try to guide your life (for their own gain, not yours.)

I started out that way as a young woman, but I compromised when I had kids. When I reached my late thirties, I saw the whole sham for what it was and regrouped.

My life is so far from perfect it's not funny, but I make many more choices based on personal satisfaction than I do to meet someone else's ridiculous demands or standards.

Good for you. Keep on keepin' on :hi:

[StellaBlue]

119. thanks and love the avatar n/t

I guess you like the new Dixie Chicks son "Lubbock or Leave It"?

I thought that was particularly good because I'm from Paris, Texas and they gave us a bitch-slap shout-out. I hate those towns, too.

[Tsiyu]

120. No, gotta buy that CD when funds allow

I always loved "Cow Town" by Carly Simon, for a good Texas culture shock song. :)