Something Happened Dissatisfaction Quotes

Slocum makes quite a fuss about all of the people in the office who fear each other, yet in the long term, nothing these men do really matters much. And if that's the case, what are they all working for? What's the point?

Slocum's "act of rebellion" would not even cause a ripple, he confesses. And he is depressed by the fact that whether he does good or ill for the company, he really makes no difference in the end. Like the company itself, he has no lasting effect.

By contrast, Slocum claims he does his best when the assignments are large and urgent and he is under pressure to complete them. It's then that he enjoys his life most. However, between such challenges, there is monotony and despair.

Though Slocum is dissatisfied with his job, he feels somewhat trapped in it. Besides, if he were to leave, either his job or his family, where would he go? What would he do? Just more of the same?

Slocum is just as dissatisfied with things as those around him, both at home and in the office. This might contribute to some of his anxieties, but he's able to easily hide them. If Slocum's hiding this much emotional turmoil, then who's to say everyone else isn't also hiding the same thing?

Slocum's best years were arguably those while he was away fighting during World War II. Life then had a purpose: he was making the world a better place. Life after that has been a struggle, one disappointment following another.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Slocum are dissatisfied in their marriage. For one thing, neither tries as much as they used to when they were young and passionate. But life itself has grown tired. How interesting can being a housewife and an office cog really be, at least under these circumstances?

Though only ages nine and fifteen, Slocum's two children are dissatisfied with their lives. How much can Slocum blame himself for their unhappiness? How much of it has to do with the general lack of meaning in American life?

Slocum's wife doesn't think she is very good at anything, yet she is very bored. She doesn't really want a job, either, because she doesn't want to work. Where can she find meaning? How can she find it?

Unbeknownst to his wife, Slocum feels more at home in his office than he does in his own household. At least at the office he can close his doors and seal himself off from others. And there are other women for him to look at, which we figure he likes. At least it's something a little different.