Misim of an Unlit Fire
Published February 11, 2005

The much maligned Mr. Rogers. I remember watching his show and not digging it all that much, but it was tv and back then there wasn't much I would shy away from. Hated the Partridge Family but watched it anyway. My favorites were more along the lines of the Brady Bunch, My Three Sons, that show with Buffy and Jody, and the piece de resistance--Gilligan's Island. Forget the endless remakes and reunion movies. The original show was precious.
So is having a job. Those who know me best will scoff. Oh yes, I remember the aftermath of that big interview I granted in Winter 2000 - 2001:
Super Ego: Let's get back to your work status. You have some pretty unorthodox ideas about the notion of working for a living.
BrokenGirl: I have never understood what's so unorthodox about one admiting that she or he doesn't like to work. I simply have never found meaning in the culture of business. Of greater importance to me are values such as love, integrity, freedom ... and connecting them with the activities of every day life. Things like, in the words of my illustrious friend Bill, "the perfect kiss, beer and cigarettes, or putting on a clean pair of underwear!"
Super Ego: (surprised) Do you smoke?
BrokenGirl: No.
Super Ego: Why don't you work?
BrokenGirl: I was laid off, okay! It's not a crime, or rather the crime was committed against me, and I am thankful. These past few months have been absolutely glorious. For one thing, they allow me to spend this time with you. (pauses). Look, I have liked very few of the jobs I've held. Either I didn't like the people I worked for or with or I didn't see the point of getting up in the morning to shuffle paper, you know. I'm a dreamer at heart. That's how God made me. I don't see why I shouldn't be left to dream.
Super Ego: What happens to society if dreamers only dream and never commit to anything?
BrokenGirl: Dreams are important. Inner work is more important than outer work sometimes. Sure, yes, somebody's gotta take out the trash, somebody has to run the energy plant, somebody's gotta arrest the poachers, but how we can we expect God's reality to become evident to us when we've superglued blinders to our faces? . . . And as far as the work thing goes, um, I wish I could find stewardship on the job, i.e. a job in which I felt fulfilled because my contributions have meaning to the company or business or organization, which in turn does something good for society.
Super Ego: How about nonprofit work?
BrokenGirl: I knew you'd ask that.... Unfortunately I have bills to pay. Nonprofit is called that for a reason. I need to make some cash.
Super Ego: How about starting a company?
BrokenGirl: I'm not driven enough. We tend to enjoy the things we do best. I'm good at fucking around. I like it.
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- Misim of an Unlit Fire
- Published: February 11, 2005
- Type:
- Section: Culture
- Filed Under: Culture: Business and Economics
- Writer: mpho
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Comments
Power to the people! And, thanks; I actually do sort of enjoy my new job. I'll explain how so in a post later this week : )








If you can make a living doing something you like, more power to ya.