I have been reflecting on this question and have more to discuss, I hope someone can understand what I am trying to say 😛
How much does social pressure come into how much you work? When I was working in my previous job, I never felt like I was useless at it or a useless member of society while I was working it. But I did start to feel like that when I was surrounded by the 9-5 mentality. I often felt like what I did for work wasnt "good enough" and how much I made wasn't a respectable wage. I never felt that way when I was in the work and surrounded by other people who loved the work.
The other day, my co-worker in my current job said to me "we have the best job in the world! Is this not the dream?" and I agreed. My previous job was playing with children and ponies all day, hanging out with very elderly horses, to give them the best quality of life at the end and be there with them as they passed. It was absolutely what I wanted to be doing at that time. It was only the comments from others (and doctors) that made me feel badly about it, and start to regret not working for money. I was quite content with the wage - although not spending it wisely on healthy food, I was spending it on what I enjoyed most at the time - horses. I should not have worked that many hours though - that was far too much work for so little appreciation or pay off now that my body is done.
I just dont value the same things many of my age do. I still am made to feel like I haven't earned my place in this world, because I havent had a "real job" (by that they mean 9-5), that I got more help than I deserved from government "hand outs" when I was disabled by treatment. Being told that it could be worse and that its jealousy to observe the massive gap in standards of living, being called povo for not going the movies weekly or bothering with beauty products. These are all things people say to me casually to my face with no thought as to how it might make me feel.
I also notice this with discussion on Buffy s6. The idea that fast food is a demeaning and depressing job and a bad choice for those who are serious about success, is hurtful to those who enjoy that work. You should be thankful that some of us do.
PS as usual this is observation - not aimed at anyone personally but in general. I find BB is a good outlet with decent minds who are able to consume what I am trying to say without being personally offended by me saying it.