Workaholics
Today I'm pondering America's workaholic tendencies. I mean, we can start with the big stuff like 2 weeks of vacation (not enough), but I would like to focus on the 8 hour workday. Most people put in more than 8 hours. It's not only encouraged, it's expected. Like somehow, even though you signed up for that salary at 40 hours a week, you were talking in some code that everyone should know about.
And let's just say you were firm about only working your 8 hours except in extreme cases (which is where I stand). You are technically expected to work at least 8.5. Lunch, it seems, is not included with most companies. This doesn't make any sense to me. Shouldn't it be recognized that if you want someone to work a full day, they're going to need food? And that, being the norm, shouldn't be counted against them? What I want to know, is who the first company was that started this trend? Because they are getting no business from me!
You may think I'm disgruntled, but I'm really not. My company - or at least my boss - is very good about working hours. I am just mad when I see people around me becoming willing slaves to the system. They honestly feel BAD when they don't put in more than 40 hours. They don't count time spent talking with coworkers, or brainstorming. C'mon. That is part of your work. Building relationships, gathering ideas, LEARNING from people around you. If you consistently work 45+ hours every week, you will get no sympathy from me. Who's going to stand up for you if you won't stand up for yourself?
Disclaimer: If, perhaps, you work for a startup or a phenomenal company, I can see your side. The thought being that if you work harder now and develop something big, you'll be greatly rewarded in the future. This could even be seen as an investment in yourself and a company you feel uncompromisingly loyal to. But that is probably not the norm.
And that's what grinds my gears ;)
And let's just say you were firm about only working your 8 hours except in extreme cases (which is where I stand). You are technically expected to work at least 8.5. Lunch, it seems, is not included with most companies. This doesn't make any sense to me. Shouldn't it be recognized that if you want someone to work a full day, they're going to need food? And that, being the norm, shouldn't be counted against them? What I want to know, is who the first company was that started this trend? Because they are getting no business from me!
You may think I'm disgruntled, but I'm really not. My company - or at least my boss - is very good about working hours. I am just mad when I see people around me becoming willing slaves to the system. They honestly feel BAD when they don't put in more than 40 hours. They don't count time spent talking with coworkers, or brainstorming. C'mon. That is part of your work. Building relationships, gathering ideas, LEARNING from people around you. If you consistently work 45+ hours every week, you will get no sympathy from me. Who's going to stand up for you if you won't stand up for yourself?
Disclaimer: If, perhaps, you work for a startup or a phenomenal company, I can see your side. The thought being that if you work harder now and develop something big, you'll be greatly rewarded in the future. This could even be seen as an investment in yourself and a company you feel uncompromisingly loyal to. But that is probably not the norm.
And that's what grinds my gears ;)
I agree 100%.
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