I knew that

[rolanni]

According to this article, I work at two of the Top Ten most depressing jobs -- artist, and administrative support.

This is not a surprise, exactly -- both careers feature high performance expectations from people who are. . .less than completely educated. . .about the reality of the work involved, as well as huge chunks of stuff that has a Critical Bearing on your work and the ultimate success of same that are completely out of your control.

What I do find disturbing about this article is the commentary that suggests artists ought to find medical treatment for their stress; a recommendation that is made for none of the other careers listed.

Anybody here read "Phoenix" by Lee and Miller?

Comments

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Certainly, anyone who is in intolerable pain, or in danger of inadvertently harming themselves, should be encouraged to seek assistance. My gripe with this particular article is that the practitioners of only one of ten risky careers were singled out as needing to seek assistance.

It may be that, having said it once, the authors of the piece felt that it needn't be said again, but when that's the case, the information is usually given as a preface to the entire article, or in the text of the very first example given.

I do know several writers who "ride" their cycle, to the benefit of their art; and I know others who need the...more consistent head-room the drugs give them. We're all different; our tolerances for thrills and distress -- and our ability to and strategies for coping -- are unique to each of us.