" After college, I went to San Francisco and worked as a secretary in a reinsurance company. That was a pretty dismal job. It was a real small place. Guys would come in, and they’d sort of stick out their arms like wings so I could take their coats off. They’d tell me, ‘Two,’ and I’d put two lumps of sugar in their coffee. "
- William T. Vollmann

In this excerpt, William T. Vollmann describes his experience working as a secretary at a small reinsurance company in San Francisco after completing college. The job involved mundane tasks such as taking off coats for male colleagues and adding sugar to their coffee based on their instructions. Despite the straightforward nature of these duties, Vollmann’s tone suggests that he found this position unsatisfying and unfulfilling.

Beyond its literal interpretation, this quote hints at the broader theme of disillusionment with conventional career paths post-education. Vollmann's description highlights the disparity between his academic aspirations and the reality of a job that offers little personal or professional growth. This experience reflects a common sentiment among many young professionals who feel trapped in roles that do not align with their ambitions or values. The physical act of taking off coats and adding sugar symbolizes the trivial nature of tasks that can leave individuals feeling detached from their goals, emphasizing the importance of finding meaningful work.

William T. Vollmann is an accomplished writer known for his extensive body of literary works that explore a wide range of topics, including politics, history, and social issues. He has won numerous awards for his writing, including the National Book Award and the Guggenheim Fellowship. His unique style often incorporates detailed research and personal experiences to create rich, immersive narratives that challenge readers' perceptions and encourage critical thinking.