But the worst of it isn’t society’s work - ethic morality; it’s your own, which you never knew you had. You find out how much self- satisfaction was gained from even the most simple work related task: a well - worded letter, a well - handled phone Call even a clean fire. Being useful to yourself isn’t enough But then almost everyone has heard about the need to be a useful member of society. What you didn’t know about was the loneliness. You’ve spent your life almost constantly surrounded by people, in classes, in dorms and at work. To suddenly find yourself with only your cat to talk to an day distorts your sense of reality. You begin to worry that flights of fancy might become one way. But you always were, and still are, stronger than that. You maintain balance and perspective, mainly through resorting frequently to sarcasm and irrevence. Although something going wrong in any aspect of your life now seems to push you into temporary despair much more easily than before, you have done very important things to hang on to people who care, your sense of humor your talents, your cat and your hopes.
