A personal account of fighting as a foreign volunteer in Ukraine, from leaving a boring IT job to joining the International Legion and experiencing trench warfare firsthand. Longer summary

The author describes their journey from an unfulfilling IT job to joining Ukraine's International Legion as a foreign volunteer fighter in 2022. They detail the process of getting to Ukraine, the initial experience in Lviv, and working with various volunteer organizations before joining the military. The bulk of the post describes daily life in the trenches, the structure of the International Legion, and the realities of modern warfare including drone combat. The author reflects on the experience of war, arguing that while destructive, it can provide meaning and purpose for young men seeking adventure and honor. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander explores the concept of 'floor jobs' as easily accessible employment options that can serve as a safety net, presenting various examples and their pros and cons. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the concept of 'floor jobs' - easily accessible jobs that can provide a safety net for those struggling in the job market. He defines these as jobs that don't require specialized education, are easy to get, and have some advantage over retail work. The post explores several options including teaching English abroad, programming, military service, camming, working in North Dakota's oil boom, oil rig work, truck driving, tutoring, and online micro-tasks. Each option is presented with its advantages and potential bottlenecks. The author reflects on his own career choice between philosophy and medicine, and expresses concern for friends struggling in the job market. Shorter summary