[crispyambulance]

> There is something very draining about 'menial' physical labor.

That can be true, depending on the context.

But there's something about doing physical tasks that is satisfying and dignified. I used to bus tables when I first started working. It was certainly menial and low status, but there was camaraderie with others doing that job or similar ones. It felt good to do something real. And although it was physically exhausting to come home at 2am smelling of restaurant, it was easy to have a hard sleep and a total reset the next day.

What is far more draining and harmful is menial cognitive labor without tangible meaning, working under arbitrary rules and oppressive oversight. Even if it's "easy" it can lead to burnout, to feeling that you don't matter or are invisible and replaceable like a commodity. These effects persist and last, there's no waking up in the morning and feeling a sense of "reset". I think some people just get crushed by this. I do. Others seem to thrive if they can find a headspace where they can do that job while being mentally checked-out.

[biztos]

My first “real” job was dishwasher with extra kitchen duties as time allowed, and bussing if it got too busy for the waitresses to keep up. The chef was a hard-ass but had the work ethic to back it up.

It was actually a pretty high status job for a 14 year old in a small town. Minimum wage plus a small but fair share of tips so if you had to hustle you knew it’d be rewarded.

I couldn’t do that kind of work now physically, but it remains my favorite among the many jobs I’ve had.