Reply #32: I gave my life example to show that you could still be "productive"

[FirstLight]

and yet be considered to be non-productive to those who buy into the idea of corporate mainstream.

The OP didn't say anything about being a wandering slacker, but is making a point that productivity has many faces. Society has shifted to make certain types of work less than important and downright unacceptable.

Is the work done using one's creativity and gifts any less important than the work done by someone who shows up to the cubicle day after day to make sure your car insurance is done right...? depends on your view...

There ARE folks who need the structure, need the reliability; and there are those who slowly die because they are "working" to work, and not for anything greater. There are people who HAVE to be doing something true and real and good, or they can't deal with themselves, they are stifled and suffocated by the job with no purpose. I can't explain it, but I am tired of feeling guitly because I can't hold a job for 10 years at the same company like my sister... we are not made the same, and I have to learn how to play to my own strenghts in a society that doesn't like non-conformists.

maybe it is like a right-brain, left-brain kind of thing...

Oh, and did you ever hear of someone who dreamed big and made a huge invention or great work of art who didn't TRY and conform and have the nice job that would fit in...and they just couldn't DO it?
Einstein and others come to mind, but I don't want to say the wrong name and get flamed...but you get the idea.