I was in advertising for years. That was cushy, you know? It's pretty cushy in a lot of ways, but I hated it

I was in advertising for years. That was cushy, you know? It's pretty cushy in a lot of ways, but I hated it

Augusten Burroughs is a renowned author known for his candid and often darkly humorous memoirs, such as "Running with Scissors" and "Dry." In his works, Burroughs often delves into his personal struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and dysfunctional family dynamics. However, one aspect of his life that is less frequently discussed is his career in advertising.

Burroughs spent several years working in the advertising industry before transitioning to writing full-time. In interviews and essays, he has reflected on his time in advertising, describing it as a "cushy" job that he ultimately despised. The term "cushy" typically refers to a job that is comfortable, easy, and well-paying, but lacking in fulfillment or meaning. For Burroughs, the advertising world represented a soul-sucking environment that stifled his creativity and left him feeling empty.

In his memoirs, Burroughs often explores the theme of authenticity and the struggle to find one's true self in a world that values conformity and material success. His experience in advertising likely played a role in shaping his views on consumerism, superficiality, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. Working in a field that revolves around selling products and manipulating consumer behavior may have heightened Burroughs' awareness of the emptiness of materialism and the superficiality of corporate culture.

Despite the financial security and status that came with his advertising career, Burroughs ultimately chose to leave the industry in pursuit of a more fulfilling and authentic life. His decision to become a writer and share his personal experiences with the world reflects a desire to connect with others on a deeper level and explore the complexities of the human experience.