Or rather, what’s the Marxist stance on office jobs? Truth be told, I’m writing this while a bit inebriated on my day off lol. But I was still wondering about that question.
Obviously I realize that there are extreme levels to this, like working for the armed forces or a bank, which are clearly indefensible. But what about an office job for a market chain, for example? Or for a multinational seller of cheap goods? Is providing work for such companies considered unethical? Where does one look to find criticisms of one’s workplace? And how does one juggle the need for money for survival while only having “soft” skills?
I am open to constructive criticisms and I am genuinely asking. After all, I have started only recently learning Marxist theory and deprogramming myself while reflecting more deeply about society and myself.
Ironically (or shamefully), I just noticed that while I was busy reading basic texts about theory, I forgot to incorporate any sort of deeper analysis of the practical side of it all.
No need to expose yourselves, but what are some of the jobs that principled Marxists are drawn to? Where do you draw the line when looking for a new job?
(I would also be very thankful for any suggestions about books or articles as well! I am quite curious about finding the correct personal balance between need for work and ethical concerns)
I work an office job in what I’d say is an indefensible industry and I fucking hate it and my ghoulish coworkers. No chance organizing this workplace, class consciousness is completely absent and people are too busy enjoying their treats to care about anything else or see society collapsing around them. Even if they were to organize, they’d do it to gain a bigger share of the imperial pie, not due to any sort of activism.
More than working in a deeply unethical job, I think the reason to avoid these jobs is because you can’t effect any positive change here, there’s too much resistance, these will likely be the last holdouts of capitalism when the tide finally turns left in the West. Go somewhere else where you can organize a workplace and find people who are more receptive to Marxist thought.