When I consider changes to language, I try to start from a prescriptivist position rather than a descriptivist, which to me means assuming language should stay static to ensure a common understanding rather than fragmented meanings that lead to misunderstandings. If there is a change in language, it should justify itself through simplifying terms or adding a new meaning that other words lack, while avoiding harming the meanings of pre-existing words.

I use they/them pronouns for non-binary people as an example of this mindset in action because I think the benefits far outweigh any cons. With a greater understanding that non-binary people new language was needed, and they/them seems to me a very natural fit as I would already think to use it when asking about a stranger even before I knew of non-binary as a concept (“oh your friend is coming? What’s their name, are they a boy or a girl?). In my experience having a very close non-binary friend I have found that context tells whether I’m using they as a singular/plural pronoun ~90% of the time, and when it fails it adds maybe 20 seconds of clarification to explain I was referring to person’s name.

I think what you’re saying should be taken as inspiration for further evolving how we use those terms to better separate between singular and plural use rather than try backtracking on how it has already evolved in common use, and I think the answer (for me at least) lies in your very comment. Much like “you” vs “you all”, going forward I’ll put a little effort into using they/them in a singular context and use “them all” or “they all” as a plural. Maybe it will catch on and 30 years from now we’ll be saying “theyal” and “theyal’ll” as shorthand for “they all” and “they all will.”

Humbling? That’s going on in my head. I’m that complicated! Or at least the “hardware” I run on is. I think having a brain that beautifully complex is more empowering than anything! I wonder what new discoveries will stem from this.

If I want to gain more qualifications but never actually spend time working on them, if I want a better resume but never even look up a phone number to call, do you think a therapist could help me get moving on those things I want to do?

What I was trying to say is that if you already have a job above your qualifications, which my understanding is you do, you can use your experience in that job as a qualification for future jobs. Maybe I did a poor job of saying that.

Yes, in the hypothetical scenario where you are applying for positions but not hearing back and it has become frustrating, my theoretical therapist might suggest you get in touch with someone specialized in helping with that, and then if you continue to not do so while stressing over the state of your resume their job would be to help you take that step.

Evidently that’s not your problem, which I could not be aware of, being a stranger on the internet before your explanation of your situation. Sorry my example did not perfectly address your situation.

I don’t know how a therapist would react to your circumstances of being able to make more money but still not making enough because that is rather foreign to me, but I can tell you one thing. If you are holding down a job above your credentials, you are no longer holding down a job above your credentials, you are now holding down a job at your current level of credentials and I would recommend updating your papers to reflect that.

No, the steps would probably be more along the lines of refreshing your resume, maybe setting up an appointment to have it professionally reviewed, getting a habit of applying for jobs going, stuff that materially contributes to having more money. A therapist might tell you that overthrowing the rich is a little too vague a plan to actually act on.

I specifically said higher-paying instead of a “better” job because it’s not necessarily going to be a more fun or world-improving position. But if money is what you need and the job you apply for has a higher pay rate than the one you have now it will likely lead to you having more money, regardless of the greater economic climate.

No, a therapist will not give you money. What they could do is identify why you don’t have the money you need, then help you plan and execute the steps to accomplish your goal. If your goal is more money, I’d guess they would ask you if you are looking for a higher-paying job, then discuss what steps you can take to improve that process, with a focus on mental hurdles you may not even realize you’re putting in your way.