Comments on: The Thankless Work of a Pioneering Slacker – the Leif Pettersen Story

By: Invisible G.

Invisible G. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:22:53 +0000

Here’s my problem, I’ve never bought into the corporate mentality – yet I find myself stuck in one.

I came across your blog because your story inspired me.

I, too, found myself single after a long-term relationship and grossly unhappy with lifestyle/job.

I’ve worked well on the single part, next is the lifestyle/job bit.

It’s been a comfort to know I’m not the only one aiming for slackerdom. Here here!

By: Leif

Leif — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:11:07 +0000

Hey Frank, I see I have a lot of catching up to do you your Spain traipsing. While living in Cadiz, I too noted that Spaniards sleep about five hours a night, which is probably why they so desperately need those naps. They certainly collectively have more energy than any other nationality I have ever observed. And I hope you weren’t just bad-mouthing my Blackberry addiction. Thems fightin’ words.

By: A Wannabe Travelwriter

A Wannabe Travelwriter — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:10:54 +0000

Since you certainly follow my every travel move, I am sure you know I have been doing my own analysis of the Spanish lifestyle—disguised as a tapas and tinto trek—from one end of the country to the other. I watch with envy the locals gather at lively outdoor tables for their mid-morning coffee klatch and then later for an afternoon beer break and after work move to bustling bars for a spirited session of tapas and tinto.

I, too, admire their passion and love of life (although after a week in Madrid, I am not sure if the people your age really ever sleep more than a few hours at a time).

Beyond our work and spending habits, how much of our different lifestyle comes from our addiction to that glowing LCD screen, whether it be the television, computer, or mobile phone?

By: Leif

Leif — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:18:47 +0000

Hi Anne Marie – The latest Cohen movie was weird. Great at times, but just weird. Did not like/get the ending at all. They seem to be on this rotation where they make one blockbuster, then one baffler, then a blockbuster…

By: anne marie

anne marie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:04:32 +0000

First off, your take on the latest Coen Bros effort? The New Yorker called it almost unwatchable, but the St. Louis Post Dispatch, our local paper, found it very genius-y indeed. I’m inclined to give it a miss.

Will tackle the rest of your essay manana.

By: Toby

Toby — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:40:19 +0000

Wow! Good job getting a job at the Fed with a theater arts degree! :)

–
Toby
http://blog.gowaza.com
http://www.gowaza.com

By: Leif

Leif — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:00:10 +0000

Tina – Welcome to KB – I’ve never been to China (OK, Hong Kong, but not remotely the same thing) and I think you’re feeling what I felt in Asia. It’s really like an alien planet compared to the US. Priorities are totally reshuffled. And, largely, not in a bad way.

Stephanie – You’re about 10 years ahead of me in enlightenment. Kudos. Don’t let the System bring you down, sister. Just because 97% of the country thinks that your path to success/happiness is the well-worn, mechanical career path, doesn’t mean it’s true. I’m suggesting an alternative career path, which I will detail, at absurd length, in the coming posts. I realize this is starting to sound somewhat like someone’s self-improvement speech, but (so far) I have nothing to sell. Except sanity.

DK – I’m pretty sure that’s not bad a bad thing. Here’s a test: at 2pm on a work day, ask yourself “Am I as happy as I can reasonably be right now?”

Matt – We both know you’re in the dubious/exciting position of blogging professionally and being nomadic and free, but at what stage does that also become a workaholic burden? With your responsibilities, how would you summarize your average week of work? I think I may have to turn the tables on you soon and interview you.

By: Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:53:15 +0000

to slack or not to slack, that is the question?

By: DK

DK — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:49:41 +0000

Sweet Jesus – you’re me in dude form. Except I’m more than two years out of college and still in the throes of rumndietcokeurism.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:05:09 +0000

It’s really interesting to hear your story Leif. I have been out of college two and a half years now and have gotten quite working desk jobs far below my ability simply to raise money for traveling. It’s mind numbing but because I have an ultimate plan I’m working towards I can deal with it for now. I am always cautious though not to let myself slip too far into the corporate mindset because I know it’s a hard habit to break.