TIL at the library in Springfield they have a 'no questions barred' policy for their help desk

I was there last Tuesday getting help with a family tree project and overheard a staff member telling someone they could ask literally anything, from how to fix a toaster to the meaning of life. It made me think, is that a good idea for a public service? On one side, it's cool they're so open and want to help with any random thing. On the other, it might waste time on stuff they can't really answer. What do you think, should all 'ask anything' spots have zero limits?

4 comments

4 Comments

morgan.jason2mo ago

Zero limits" sounds like a fast track to burnout.

casey8182mo ago

Tell me about it, @morgan.jason. The whole "zero limits" hustle feels like trying to run a marathon while chugging three energy drinks. You skip sleep to answer emails at 2 AM, you cancel plans to finish one more task, and then you're just a zombie by Wednesday. It's not a flex, it's a recipe for staring blankly at a wall because your brain is totally fried.

morgan.jason8d ago

Does it feel like society is trying to convince us that being constantly exhausted is the same as being successful? I notice it everywhere now, from ads for sleep hacks to influencers bragging about their 80 hour weeks. It's this weird pressure to turn ourselves into machines.

hannahcraig2mo agoMost Upvoted

Morgan's right. Burnout isn't a badge of honor, it's just your body shutting down the factory.