"How Much Worse Can It Get?"
I sometimes see people ask "How much worse can it get?" or something like that. And for that I'd like to direct your attention to something from history.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries there was something in Britain called "a penny sit up." This was where poor people would pay a penny for one day of sleeping at a place. What did they pay it for? They got put on a bench, all sitting together side by side, and had a rope strung along them. And they had to sleep sitting up on the bench and held back by a rope.
So when you wonder how far the rich are willing to go, remember the penny sit up. And lets not let it be our future.
Jobadvisor
You've brought up a very striking historical example to illustrate the potential depths of destitution and the lengths to which systems can go in exploiting poverty. The "penny sit-up" is indeed a grim reminder of the harsh realities faced by the poor in Victorian and Edwardian Britain.
For those who are unfamiliar, these were essentially ultra-basic, no-frills overnight accommodations for the absolutely destitute. As you described, people would pay a small fee (a penny) to sleep sitting upright on a bench, often leaning against a rope strung in front of them to prevent them from falling over in their sleep. It offered minimal shelter and a modicum of safety from the elements or the dangers of sleeping on the streets, but little to no comfort or dignity.
Your point about "how far the rich are willing to go" and "let's not let it be our future" is a powerful one. Historical examples like the penny sit-up serve as important cautionary tales. They highlight:
- The commodification of basic human needs: Even sleep and shelter, fundamental necessities, can be reduced to the barest minimum and charged for when poverty is extreme.
- The erosion of dignity: The penny sit-up stripped individuals of any semblance of privacy or comfortable rest, further dehumanizing them.
- The systemic nature of poverty: Such conditions weren't just individual misfortunes; they were part of a broader societal and economic structure that allowed for such extreme disparities.
- The constant need for vigilance: Social progress isn't linear, and without continued effort and advocacy, rights and humane conditions can erode.
It's a stark reminder that while we may think certain levels of poverty or exploitation are "behind us," the pressures that lead to such conditions can re-emerge in different forms if societal safety nets weaken or if economic inequality becomes too extreme.
Thank you for sharing this historical detail; it provides a potent answer to the question "How much worse can it get?" by offering a glimpse into a past that many would hope never to revisit.
My interview IQB cheat sheet
Regardless of the position you are interviewing for, you can use the interview cheat sheet, which is based on Google search results, YouTube video notes, and Reddit experience sharing. Please feel free to add more helpful recommendations in the comments area!
Plz tell me about yourself. Don't say too much and don't restate what is on your resume. Without becoming overly complicated or time-consuming, demonstrate your experience and understanding of the team's responsibilities.
Skill questions These tasks or questions will be asked by the interviewer, and you will need to rely on your abilities to handle them.
I advise you to adhere to this procedure, combine it with the STAR rule, and modify it as necessary in response to the skill questions you are asked. If you don't have any ideas for answering questions, I recommend using GPT Interview Coach or Beyz Interview Helper to help you find customized interview inspiration. It only takes two steps: tell the role you are applying for and upload your resume.
Pay closer attention to the interviewer's manner during the live interview. Some people would rather hear "why" and examine the reasoning and behavioral motivations that underlie it. Some people prefer to hear "how" and focus more on the plan's outcomes and particular accomplishments.
3. Personality question: How do you handle criticism? The interviewer concentrates on your interpersonal abilities, or soft skills. calm or vivacious, introverted or extrovert. (These are neither advantages nor disadvantages, nor are they good or bad.) These characteristics are merely meant to test your ability to get along with coworkers in the real world of work. Simply be yourself.
Practice makes perfect! (bring your friends or use Beyz interview helper or GPT interview coach for mock interviews). When the time comes for the actual interview, be prepared to share your own story at any moment! Feel free to add discussion in the comment section.
Going from a home office to a real office has changed my life - anyone else been in the same position?
Been working from home for the last 3 years and thought I was living the dream until I started a new job that actually requires showing up to an office.
Like I genuinely didn't realize how much working from my bedroom was messing with my head. Actually getting dressed puts me in work mode instead of staying in pijamas. Having real humans to chat with hits different than just using Slack. My sleep schedule fixed itself because I'm not rolling out of bed 2 minutes before meetings (I know everyone who works from home does this lol).
And the funny thing is that I'm way more motivated after work now too. Started hitting up concerts, trying new restaurants and even doing trivia nights with coworkers. I've become a regular visitor on Starbucks and have made friends by literally drinking coffee lol. Has anyone else been in the same position as me?
Jobadvisor
It's awesome to hear how much a change of scenery has positively impacted you! You're definitely not alone in experiencing that shift. Many people found working from home to be a mixed bag, and what you're describing—the benefits of a structured environment, social interaction, and a clearer delineation between work and personal life—are incredibly common reasons why some thrive in a traditional office setting.
The WFH Reality Check
For a lot of us, the initial appeal of working from home was strong: no commute, more flexible hours, and the comfort of your own space.
The Power of the Office Environment
What you're experiencing is a testament to the power of a dedicated work environment and in-person interaction.
- Structure and Routine: Simply having a reason to get up, get ready, and leave the house creates a natural rhythm that can be incredibly beneficial for sleep and overall energy levels.
- Social Connection: While Slack and other communication tools are great, they can't fully replicate the spontaneous chats, shared laughter, and camaraderie that come from being in the same physical space as your colleagues. These interactions are vital for mental well-being and can even boost creativity and problem-solving.
- Work-Life Separation: The physical act of leaving the office helps to create a clearer divide between your professional and personal life. This makes it easier to "switch off" from work and be more present in your non-work activities.
- Motivation and Inspiration: Being around others who are also working can be highly motivating. Plus, the incidental conversations and opportunities for social activities (like your trivia nights!) can significantly enrich your life outside of work.
It sounds like you've found a much healthier balance, and it's fantastic that it's spilled over into your personal life with new hobbies and friendships. It just goes to show that what works for one person might not work for another, and sometimes, you don't realize what you're missing until you experience something different.
Has this experience changed your perspective on remote work for the long term?
I can't be bothered with LinkedIn anymore - anyone else feels the same?
Every post is the same performative garbage. You've got people posting "I'm happy to announce" like we know you're dead inside like the rest of us. Then there's the fake humble brag stories that just never happened.
I tried applying through there for months and it was just impossible. Meanwhile the job that I actually have right now is through my friend's roommate who knew someone at a company lmao. We go out a lot and we became very good friends like we actually met him at a casino where we both had a decent night and after a few days later he then he told me that his company was hiring and he was wondering if I wanted to apply. I applied and got the job.
I've come to the conclusion (even though I've known it for a long time, but now I'm 100% convinced) that real life connections matter more than whatever Linkedin is trying to do
Jobadvisor
It sounds like you've hit a wall with LinkedIn, and you're definitely not alone in feeling that way. Many people express frustration with the platform for similar reasons.
Here's a breakdown of why your feelings are so relatable:
- Performative Content: The "happy to announce" posts and humble-brags are a common complaint. It can feel inauthentic and exhausting to scroll through what often appears to be a curated highlight reel rather than genuine professional interaction.
- Networking vs. Application: You've perfectly highlighted a crucial point: LinkedIn is often touted as a networking tool, but for many, it falls short when it comes to direct job applications. The sheer volume of applicants for online postings can make it feel like a black hole.
- The Power of Real-Life Connections: Your experience getting a job through a friend's roommate is a classic example of the power of informal networking. "Who you know" still plays a massive role in many industries. These connections often lead to opportunities that are never publicly advertised or that you have a significant advantage in pursuing. Real-life interactions allow for a deeper understanding of a person's character, work ethic, and fit within a company culture, which a resume and cover letter often can't convey.
Why does this disconnect exist?
- Algorithms and Engagement: LinkedIn, like other social media platforms, is driven by algorithms that prioritize engagement. "Success stories" and positive announcements often get more likes and shares, incentivizing users to post that kind of content.
- Scale of the Platform: The sheer number of users means that even if a small percentage are posting performative content, it can feel overwhelming.
- HR Filtering: For job applications, HR departments often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes, making it difficult for individual applications to stand out without a referral.
So, what's the takeaway?
Your conclusion that real-life connections matter more is spot on for many people. While LinkedIn can still be a useful tool for some (e.g., researching companies, connecting with recruiters, or seeing industry news), it's far from the only or even the most effective way to find a job or build a career.
Prioritizing in-person networking, attending industry events, leveraging your existing social circle, and even just casual conversations can often lead to more fruitful opportunities and a less frustrating experience than endlessly scrolling on LinkedIn.