My point is that the internet offers a broad wealth of opportunities for people to monetize their creativity and productivity in ways that are easier to live with, and better for them, than the traditional corporate job. The old “don’t quit your day job” advice applies, until such time as you’re pretty sure you’ve nailed down a better alternative for you.

Why do they want to blog in the first place?

Are they doing this strictly for money or do they do this because they love to express themselves?

Do they have anything of substance to offer the rest of the world?

From you own experience, it’s obvious that you can make a good living by blogging, but you are also offering something of great value to all those people who read your blog. Those people who just do it for the money without any substance behind it will be clearly seen as fakes, and they will be disappointed with their results.

Literally speaking, you are of course correct; almost nobody in the rat race “has” that option, available by serendipity or good fortune as they forge ahead in our corporatized world. The structures and incentives (especially the housing and vehicle sales channels) are in fact set up to eliminate that sort of options, to keep folks chained to the treadmill.

No, in order for almost anyone to “have” that option, they have to *make* it. By act of will, by dramatic change of lifestyle, by creative repurposing of existing skills, by willingness to relocate or renegotiate or whatever it takes.

My belief, though, is that almost anyone in a position to be reading this blog is in a position to *make* that option for themselves. The global microbrand is only one potential approach; selling porn, or bespoke suits, on the internet is just another microstrategy. What’s important is to understand that the thing is possible. And that’s why I’m disputing your sentence. Almost nobody “has” that option, but almost anybody can *take* it.

I would also like to point out that self-employment, alone, is not sufficient for getting off the treadmill. It tends to help — often rather a lot — but depending on your business, sometimes not so much. I’ve known consultants and other independent professionals who tend to be compensated by the hour; and, though it beats life in a cubicle far, you’re still on the treadmill. I read somewhere (somewhere else on Gaping Void I believe) of such people: “Once you stop tapdancing, you sink.” No, it’s important to find a strategy that leaves you in genuine control of your life, hourly, daily and over the longer term. It’s not easy, but it’s *vital*.

A couple times in the last year I’ve been thrown into situations where I’ve found myself on the verge of not making rent, eating noodles, and doing anything it took to get by.

I’m an industrious person and until now have worked solidly (no more than three weeks off paid/unpaid with job/without since I was 13).

And yet, I found myself with no safety net, no one to whom I could turn in an hour of need, and no means of credit or emergency cash.

Life happens, and for some, not always in the most convenient fashion. Just because one is capable of finding work doesn’t mean the situation is working out for them, and doesn’t mean it’s practical.

Yes, *some* people use the system, *some* people beg because they’re too frickin’ lazy to contribute to the world. But not all, and not even most. Bad luck’s out there, and if you’ve been fortunate enough to avoid it, good on you, but if not, wake up and smell the reality check.

As for quitting the system to be self-employed et al, well, not everyone has that option.

(I also sometimes wonder on the irony of slavery being illegal, but you’re forced into a situation where you’re required to pay taxes, required to buy into a system that isn’t your design, etc.)

Ah, you got me started, TG, but you’re right about Tina’s comments, no matter how benign she might’ve meant her statements to be.

‘…too many of them who are capable of earning a living but prefer to beg’?

‘…illegal aliens taking (lower level) jobs that Americans ought to be doing’?

*mutters under her breath about global capitalism, the surplus labour force, poverty and the widening gap between rich and poor*

*walks off in a huff and wonders why people support a blame culture where the poor are at fault for being poor*

Lex, the question of being downsized is another subject. I get very upset about jobs –not just manufacturing, but much higher level jobs– going overseas. And about illegal aliens taking (lower level) jobs that Americans ought to be doing.

I was talking about choice. If you prefer the corporate environment… have at it! If you don’t like the corporate environment… that’s fine too. Neither choice needs an excuse.

I was talking about people liberating themselves from corporate servitude by finding alternative means of being individually productive. I can’t imagine why you brought welfare cases into this discussion.

Other ways include working for a large corporation. Nothing wrong with that, either. Especially if you want to get rich, manage the work of others, accomplish things you can’t do by yourself.

Unfortunately, many of the people who left the treadmill are now standing under the highway bridge waving a sign that says “will work for food.” only they won’t because they want a handout.

Get on the treadmill or get off it, as you please. Just be sure you don’t try to make society support you.