“What do you do?”
It’s the age-old question in today’s modern world that we sadly can’t avoid asking (or being asked) within the first fifteen minutes of meeting someone. Whether it be on a blind date or a chance encounter with an old neighbor who has just completed their graduate degree, we simply can’t help but turn to the low hanging fruit conversation starter: “What is your line of work?” or, more specifically, “How do you make your money?”
And, for some, this question breeds such insecurity, they will do anything to avoid being asked the question.
It’s no wonder so many of us (in particular our young people who have come of age during a pandemic, skyrocketing health care costs, and an egregiously unaffordable housing market) have lost faith in our economic system. It’s becoming harder and harder to put together a sturdy financial plan because it’s dependent on job security and employment opportunities that provide benefits. And if a potential job requires a college degree, is the student loan debt worth all of the “work” to become a “worker”?
Our 21st Kendeda Competition winner, Milo Cramer, has written a piece of theatre that tackles these contemplations head on. And what is so brilliant about the story Milo has created is that he isn’t trying to answer these seemingly unanswerable questions. He is instead spotlighting the realities of our broken economic system with such relentless honesty (and a whole lot of humor), that we can’t help but see ourselves in the play’s relationships. We belly laugh at the absurdity of the transactional relationships between an exhausted barista and an egoistic customer, between an exasperated mother and a daughter rejecting convention. In a world where capitalism teaches us money is king and transactions are often prioritized over real human connection, how eye opening it is to truly ask ourselves – can money really buy our happiness?
What if, instead of the question “What do you do?,” we ask, “How do you spend your days?” This question sparks a great deal of self-reflection (which is so much more interesting than job titles). Are your days spent looking for opportunities to help those in need? Giving thanks for what you have? Having more interactions and less transactions? My hope is, after this performance, they just may be.
We are so glad you’re here.
Amanda Watkins
Director of New Work
Business Ideas will premiere on the Hertz Stage November 16 through December 15, 2024 – learn more.
