I’ve been thinking a lot about value. Even before I knew the lay-off was a definite thing, I was thinking about what value really means. I still don’t have any definitive answers.
This comic has gone through more revisions than any single page comic I’ve ever done. Trying to grasp the concept of what makes things valuable is really difficult for me.
I think an example of value is YOUR comic. Not only entertaining, but incredibly thought provoking. Value, to me, is something that keeps “giving” in a good sense, improving on the situation or feeling, or rather, outcome, for the best (now.. the best, is what’s in the air…what is best? you may ask.) That’s the final question then, isn’t it?
I give thanks for your comic, which is the only one in which all stories make you think, and eventually, enhance ones views and thoughts.
Happy Thanks Giving holiday!
Well, thanmk you in return for all the nice words! I really like your definition of value, too.
True, everyone is struggling to see what thing are “worth”, but they don’t seem to see the price we all pay in other areas of our lives in order to make ends meet.
I have faith that you’ll find something soon, Ryan!
Wouldn’t Buddha say that “value” is whatever brings the most happiness? That’s how I try to judge everything from what I buy to how I spend my time. (I often fail…but I still try. Most of the time it’s something you only realize in hindsight.)
Good luck, Ryan.
Thanks, Jon!
That’s not a bad way to value things, Bobby. It is tough to predict what brings happiness like you said, though.
This whole quality vs. value thing is pretty disheartening. My modeling pay rates back in 2001, back when I wasn’t as good of a model but was better than average for the 3rd tier industry, I was earning 90% more than what I earn now. Now because of market saturation and the horrible economy, I had to work my buns off to reach that 10% of my former income, being an excellent 3rd tier model. It’s disheartening, but I am very lucky to gotten out of the trap of equating work with identity. Opting instead to value my work for pleasure it brings and education it provides has been incredibly liberating — even if I am still paying off debt that could’ve been easily taken care of had the monetary value of my work not collapsed.
Then again, you sometimes need things needs to collapse, in order to find ways to build them in more effective ways the next time around.