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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Philippa Perry

I’m stuck in a miserable and futile existence

Rear,View,Of,A,Woman,In,Beanie,And,Warm,GreyRear view of a woman in beanie and warm grey woollen scarf on a beach in winter standing staring out over the calm ocean on a cold bleak day; Shutterstock ID 2085871954; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -
‘If our sadness is not taken seriously when we are growing up, or if we were shamed for it, it is harder for us to learn how to be with sadness when we are adults.’ Photograph: Shutterstock

The question I see a therapist once a week. But I have a shameful and persistent feeling of despair. I’m stuck in a miserable and futile existence. I don’t like work. I hate being trapped within someone else’s schedule, sending pointless emails, attending pointless meetings. I hate the nine-to-five, the long commute, asking permission to take leave – it’s just sleep, work, sleep, work.

I have no garden, and noisy neighbours. I won’t starve or lose the roof over my head but I can neither afford to go away on holiday nor to dine out or buy clothes and books.

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