Industrious / Serious Attitude

[IAmZon]

I had the opportunity to meet several members of RWD this past weekend. My impressions of Gator were very much validated - great guy. His wife is exceptionally beautiful and charming. I met Eduard too. He is very much earnest about his affairs and uniquely understand both cultures.

Regarding seriousness, status, and security - In my own experience with girls from Eastern Europe, I have noticed an emphasized importance on status and pedigree that comes from profession more than wealth. I thought this would be an interesting matter for discussion, as this observation was re-enforced to me.

Has anyone else?

 I know a guy who while at the University of Florida made big money every semester selling cheap posters and polo shirts (20 years ago) at the start of each semester. It was not uncommon for him, through his own entrepreneurship to make 25 - 50 K. That was serious dough back then - still is. Yet he worked his way through school. Got a master's degree. He eventually got a job with Honeywell ... made a "nice" living ... worked in one of those little cubes ... lost his hair and his spirit. What is it in our society that makes many conform to a preconceived "profession" when often; a better life could be won outside "professional". It does not serve the individual better.

New immigrants particularly prize positions with perceived stability and status. I imagine it is a result of that which is lacking in their own country. I wonder too, if those of us who move in an out of "professional" jobs should not be more aware of this perception?

I remember an old post that shared this view. I don't think representing yourself as an "artist," "author," or self employeed (no matter how successful or wealthy) is advisable. But this is the subject I wonder, so I defer to the board ....

[Sculpto]

As an artist I think I have something to add to this topic.

I have found most ladies to be very interested in my career.  Artists and creative people in general tend to have higher "value" in Europe than in the USA so in my opinion and experience there is no negative to this.  Artists of all types are interesting and have interesting lives. 

I would also say that those women who are ONLY interested in a persons status as a marker for a secure life may not be well suited to adaptation to life in this country, or at least in California, as adaptability and being open minded are the basis for success of any kind here.

[mendeleyev]

Very true.  My wife is an artist and in USA people say, "oh how nice" and go back to their lives.  In Europe people want to see her work and will talk and ask questions for hours, ask to be on a mailing list for exhibitions, and show much interest.  Even ordinary people in Europe and Asia look at art and appreciate talent.

In Russia for a long time the state paid the salaries and this included housing and permission to go to the best Universities or even to buy a car.  The position and title determined everything about you.  It was also one of the few areas in which a person could rise above the circumstances and enjoy some feeling of success. 

One time the media company which I had worked for a long time was sold and new management took over.  I wanted to continue working and accepted a job outside of journalism.  My wife and her family were very concerned that I did not have honourable work because how can you have honour outside your University training?  Upon returning to journalism they were very pleased and could again talk about my position and profession.

People in Russia over age 40 might understand that you make $50K+ selling t-shirts, but that would not be honourable work by their thinking.  It would carry the same prestige as a street vendor. The same person, who became a doctor or professor and made $25K would have more status and honour. It is the younger generation who think first about money.