What does everyone on here... DO?

[MichaelVipperman]

IJC asked me to reply here, so, sure.

I'm a researcher/artist/writer/academic/educator/factotum. My academic background is social sciences and anthropology but I strive for interdisciplinarity, having dabbled in such areas as physics, philosophy, art history, religion, analytic psychology, cognitive science and women's studies. My father is a Reverend Doctor, so I grew up surrounded by theology and philosophy, and they therefore come quite naturally to me even though they haven't been the focus of any of my academics. I also have many friends engaged in activism and queer theory (Toronto is the trans capital of the universe), so I'm pretty familiar with those as well.

Subjects I've written on include sociological metatheory (levels of analysis), linguistic magic, depth psychology and controversial religious practices. My research speciality is drug use, from an ethnographic perspective.

I've done work in harm reduction with a group called the TRIP Project, and I've been involved in activism and art projects connected to the Toronto G20 and Occupy Toronto. My primary medium for street art is chalk: it's cheap enough to share it around, furthering the goal of encouraging a greater level of public participation and spread of ideas, and I like the idea of temporary messages: say what you think in a way that'll pop out and be visually compelling, but which won't last and can be replaced with new ideas in time.

I also work as a landscaper/gardener, mostly residential work for wealthy people. Economically speaking I'm just barely scraping by, have significant student debt, etc. But I'm also respected for the work I've been doing, and have a robust social network, so I should be alright. Hopefully before long I'll find grant money so I can keep doing research and not end up homeless.

 

[darkwolfunseen]

Well okay, to add the other side of the contrast I do work for a bank, but it is relatively peaceful compared to the large banks (it was a prerequisite to work at a place that didn't take any bail-out money, and quite simply had their shit together). I'm considering various grad schools and take the occasional class for general knowledge.

On the DO side I would say I try to embody that functional person who also has a strong interest in the psychedelic, although it does present certain challenges when interacting with older co-workers or other generally ignorant people.

Oh well, que sera.

Interesting. I assume by "functional" you mean accepts the rat race. :wink:

BTW, IJC, wasn't going to point this out, but kind of bugged me. You work for a big pharma company, you're considering grad school, etc. How are my plans considered "rat race" and somehow yours are noble? Seems a bit hypocritical.

 

[IJesusChrist]

Well okay, to add the other side of the contrast I do work for a bank, but it is relatively peaceful compared to the large banks (it was a prerequisite to work at a place that didn't take any bail-out money, and quite simply had their shit together). I'm considering various grad schools and take the occasional class for general knowledge.

On the DO side I would say I try to embody that functional person who also has a strong interest in the psychedelic, although it does present certain challenges when interacting with older co-workers or other generally ignorant people.

Oh well, que sera.

Interesting. I assume by "functional" you mean accepts the rat race. :wink:

BTW, IJC, wasn't going to point this out, but kind of bugged me. You work for a big pharma company, you're considering grad school, etc. How are my plans considered "rat race" and somehow yours are noble? Seems a bit hypocritical.

When did I ever say I wasn't partaking in the rat race, or that my job was noble? I know what I'm doing.

But I might as well clear that up;
I want to experience as much as possible before I die. I do not want to point fingers if I've never experienced the other side of the story. I hate my job, I hate my boss (not personally) I hate my division, I hate a large portion of the entire company I work for. I did it for the experience, I didn't do it cause I thought it was "for me". I'm leaving as soon as I can get another position and pay my bills. I'd gladly leave right now if it was possible - but at least I experienced it. I got a grip of how these companies work, how they think about products and people, and how they market. It is disgusting, really. Its lies, marketing, labels, and poetic licenses to get a product out the door that really, is beaten by conventional wisdom. That is not to say that my company makes some very interesting and important products, but a majority (Especially my division) are useless crap that only materialistic, consumer-driven individuals or companies are going to bother to invest in or buy.

 

[darkwolfunseen]

Okay then, I can definitely appreciate that. I will not lie, I've had jobs where I just looked in the mirror and fucking hated myself, so I know what that's luck. Here's to you finding something that makes you feel like life is worthwhile.

 

[IJesusChrist]

Okay then, I can definitely appreciate that. I will not lie, I've had jobs where I just looked in the mirror and fucking hated myself, so I know what that's luck. Here's to you finding something that makes you feel like life is worthwhile.

Thanks.. lets hope grad school is everything I've been making it out to be :|

 

[MichaelVipperman]

Thanks.. lets hope grad school is everything I've been making it out to be :|

Depends on the grad school... they vary a lot.

 

[IJesusChrist]

Thanks.. lets hope grad school is everything I've been making it out to be :|

Depends on the grad school... they vary a lot.

I know. I did used to want to get to a name-brand. but now I see that if I went to one of those I would basically have to study corn or soy beans. oh fucking boy!

The schools I've applied to now do research in the plants I'm interested in.