Who are you outside of capitalism?

Most of the time when you ask someone about themselves, the first thing they tell you about is their job, or what they’re studying in school to get a job.

Which is unfortunate because when someone asks me about myself, I would much prefer having full social permission to reply with something like, “Hmmm, that’s a tough one. I might best describe myself as symbol of tomfoolery. Or perhaps a lover of little treats. Others, however, might classify me more as a friend to all cats.”

But apparently that is “weird” and “not an appropriate answer in a job interview” — so whatever.

In Canada, our identities are deeply tied to work. We are largely viewed as economic agents and as such, are encouraged to root our personhood in capitalist behaviours by defining ourselves according to what we produce (our jobs) and consume (the things we buy).

But of course, work isn’t just about identity it’s also about survival. And isn’t that the unspoken pressure that exists in every job interview, every rental application, every trip to NoFrills?

“I need this job and housing and food, or I fear I shall surely perish. And if this is my fate, please spread my ashes in my favourite Tim Horton’s parking lot while sombrely singing hymns taken from my Spotify Wrapped.”