The libertarian motto is "you own yourself." Now I feel like I do. I don't remember the last time I felt this free, even if the world around me has tightened its grip. It's all thanks to physical work. Yes, cue the "work will set you free" jokes.
I'm fortunate to work for a right-wing company where I feel comfortable saying the things I'd say online or amongst friends. But let me focus on the physical part. I spent a decade of my life analyzing data on screens. I had started feeling like I live inside my head. And I rarely felt like I'm delivering tangible value. Now I wrangle dogs. I lift dogs. I run downstairs with six dogs at a time and try not to fall. I try to keep them from biting me. I break up dog fights. I shovel hay. I scrub the kennel. I drive 2+ hours a day through the city in a giant van. And, you know what, for the first time I feel in charge of myself.
There's risk. I have the bites and bruises to show for it. But the risk is exhilarating. The consequences of my actions are immediate: I either get hurt or I don't. It's this constant state of fending for myself. You have to learn how to move and hold yourself to stay in charge, especially with the K9 dogs. It's a powerful feeling to lead a dog, knowing it could easily kill you if it wanted, but see it obey. I've understood better the sense of control and strength people experience handling guns. Same with driving - I drive a monstrosity of a van full of dogs through tight city streets under time pressure. Every time I successfully manuever through, every time I finish my route on time - I feel so happy - I feel capable.
There's also something magical to working a blue-collar job for the first time, especially during the "worker shortage." If I walk, someone else doesn't just have an excess of spreadsheets. If I walk, there's an excess of physical labor. So for the first time I have the liberty to bargain at a job.
If the boog ever happens, I'm still useless. But last Friday I stood in the work parking lot at 9pm, chugging a Bud Light, covered in sweat, dirt, and probably dog shit. And I felt free.
1343.071 SRY