I spent 3 months in a automobile parts factory in Japan as part of my new employee training. This was my job for 8 hours a day, less two 15 minute breaks and an

I spent 3 months in a automobile parts factory in Japan as part of my new employee training. This was my job for 8 hours a day, less two 15 minute breaks and an hour lunch break. I started to develop this mind-body separation where I could do the manual labor while completely disengaging the mind towards some daydreaming, because the routine was so ingrained into my body that I no longer needed conscious brain power to move my hands and examine the visual elements of my tools and parts. Yes we were basically robots. At least the company genuinely cared about improving processes to prevent workplace injuries, even of the repeated stress category. While their jobs were not the most important part of these people's lives, it did enable them to provide well for their families and pay for their hobbies and pursuits (I think a blue collar job at a tier 1 Toyota group supplier pays better than a below average whitecollar job in Japan). And they seemed to have a sense of pride in their work.