Jobs who require no thinking so i can meditate

[manas]

See my shoulder and back are killing me - im looking for a job -

there are some interesting non-physical jobs but they require thinking - on the other hand if i would find a non-thinking - not to hard on the body job i could practice while working

I would love to have such a choice. In my situation, jobs are so scarce I would gladly accept any paid work at all. I would happily 'think' for six to eight hours a day at a job, if it meant I could give my kids a better life right now, and increase their prospects for the future (by being able to afford tutors, for example).

manas

[Cittasanto]

how quick do you think you will need to work?

good point it will be to fast to label

I have worked in kitchens and hospitality for years and you can practice, but it is far from conductive or suitable for retreat/formal period style meditation. Yet one can still meditate.
I actually think you have an incorrect view of what you would need to do in that job, and of what mindfulness actually is.

[ndh611]

I understand your problem. My job is a Project Manager (for website development project) and my mindfulness is constantly disturbed with phone calls, emails and lazy developers who don't meet deadlines.

From my own experience and my previous discussions with some monks, I have some conclusions for you:

• There are jobs that are more "skillful" than other jobs in helping you progress with your meditation
• Such jobs usually requires less stress, less communications and... less work load
• Such jobs allows you to have quiet time with yourself
• Jobs that requires a little or no thinking (as you mentioned dish-washing) is easy to be employed as mindfulness practice e.g. being mindful of your body movements
• However a job is still a job and you can't expect it to be as perfect as your meditation (and most meditation sessions aren't anyway). The best you can do is to focus 100% at your job, no social media, no surfing etc.

I have heard a story from a respected Bhante about a librarian in London. Because of her quiet life, it was very easy for her to attain samadhi (concentration) when she learned meditation.