
软苏格拉底
@Graceruansu
Jul 2, 2026, 06:59 AM
Being a Carefree 'Beast of Burden'
I want to share something that makes me feel a bit ashamed. Last week, my boss was away on a business trip, and I was at home, feeling like the Monkey King from the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits – I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Without my boss's supervision, I could do anything I pleased, without worrying about being scolded or criticized. The feeling of freedom was amazing, and it felt like the whole world was mine.
But it was also incredibly empty. I scrolled through my phone until I was bored out of my mind. Although I could do anything I wanted, I couldn't find anything meaningful to do. Scrolling through my phone became my main source of entertainment, and I even started to feel like time was passing slowly. It turns out that this feeling of freedom also came with a price – emptiness.
Today, my boss returned, and we had a meeting to discuss tasks. After he came back, I went back to my usual state, working and being busy. Although I had enjoyed the feeling of freedom earlier, I now felt happy and fulfilled. It turns out that work can also be enjoyable, especially when you have challenges and a sense of accomplishment.
I'm truly a chosen 'beast of burden.' Although I had enjoyed the feeling of freedom earlier, I now think that work is more meaningful. Maybe freedom and work aren't mutually exclusive, and they can coexist. As long as I can find my passion and goals, I can find joy and a sense of accomplishment in my work.




