"I read this last night and remember thinking that it's admirable, but you must not be like "most people",
who would become demoralized (as helen said) and leave at the first opportunity. "

On the contrary. That's exactly what I would do. Have done. It's demoralizing when you don't have that option. But that's the best reason for running your life so that you have as many choices as possible. If you don't have a conspicuously marketable skill, try get along with management and co-workers where you work until you have learned enough to move on. Try to be valuable until something you like better comes along.