Masculinity, pride and work
Ultimately, T2 Trainspotting suggests that the greatest struggle of middle age is the work of staying relevant. Whether it’s Begbie trying to "teach" his son the trade of burglary or Renton trying to find a new path, the film portrays work as a desperate attempt to prove one still exists in a world that is very happy to forget you. t2 trainspotting work
“Choose life. Choose job. Choose a career. Choose a family… Choose fucking dying of boredom.” Choose job
When Renton returns to Edinburgh, he has no job, no money, and no plan. He spent the two decades since his betrayal working... but not working . He was a squatter in Amsterdam, then a laborer in a series of dead-end jobs. His only real skill is the grift. He spent the two decades since his betrayal working