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America: Overworked?
- Thread starter dbrWDW
- Start date
MinnieM123
Premium Member
I imagine everyone's own situation is unique. One thing I've noticed over the years is that our European friends tend to take longer vacations than we do, which I think is wonderful for them. I know a number of people here in the U.S. who tend to take shorter vacations, because they are trying to protect their jobs; they're skittish about being away for any length of time. In my case, I do take vacations; but I am not in a management position, so I don't feel pressured to cut the time short.
Also, I think many of us work harder than before. Most companies have cut down on their staff size, and the rest of the employees have had to take on even more responsibilities, than the position they originally were hired for.
Also, I think many of us work harder than before. Most companies have cut down on their staff size, and the rest of the employees have had to take on even more responsibilities, than the position they originally were hired for.
Soarin' Over Pgh
Well-Known Member
Absolutely.
Considering the cost of living has consistently been on the rise while pay has consistently remained unchanged for the vast majority of people (and some having to actually take a pay cut) yes, we're overworked because we're over burdened with trying to provide the basic necessities for ourselves that used to be easily afforded- housing, fresh produce, groceries in general, car/maintanence, kid care, etc. Mainly housing and groceries... they've gone up so high.
My city is considered "the most affordable place to live" but that's only if you're taking your current salary and moving here. Good luck affording a $750 apartment on $12/ hr (average pay in city) plus transportation and groceries and utilities.
Considering the cost of living has consistently been on the rise while pay has consistently remained unchanged for the vast majority of people (and some having to actually take a pay cut) yes, we're overworked because we're over burdened with trying to provide the basic necessities for ourselves that used to be easily afforded- housing, fresh produce, groceries in general, car/maintanence, kid care, etc. Mainly housing and groceries... they've gone up so high.
My city is considered "the most affordable place to live" but that's only if you're taking your current salary and moving here. Good luck affording a $750 apartment on $12/ hr (average pay in city) plus transportation and groceries and utilities.
sweetpee_1993
Well-Known Member
For the past 18 months my husband has worked 6-7 days a week with very few exceptions. I'm inclined to answer "yes".
Cesar R M
Well-Known Member
that is exactly what Mexicans have been feeling for the past 50 years. (hence why they started to move in masse to the US)
Imho...Globalization is lowering the bar in quality and pay rates... levering the salaries worldwides.
Supply and demand. If there is an over abundance of labor, wages don't increase. Cut the labor force and wages will naturally rise.
sweetpee_1993
Well-Known Member
Truth. There's always a shortage of people who do what my hubby does so even in recent years it's driven the pay rates up.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
Job pressure does keep people at the work place longer then say ten years ago, but, do they work harder? Depends on what you compare it too. Our grandparents and great grandparents made our work week look like a walk in the park. The worked from sun up to sun down 7 days a week. No vacation, no sick time, no vacation time, no guaranteed income at retirement, no medical plans... no work no pay. And if they did get time off from work, there was no place to go and unwind or even a way to get there if it did exist.
There is a difference between putting in a lot of hours and working hard. Modern technology has made so many jobs physically easy, and in some ways more mentally taxing. When you had to figure out how to do things without the technology to do it, I'm guessing that it was equally mentally stressful.
There is a difference between putting in a lot of hours and working hard. Modern technology has made so many jobs physically easy, and in some ways more mentally taxing. When you had to figure out how to do things without the technology to do it, I'm guessing that it was equally mentally stressful.
MinnieM123
Premium Member
You made some valid points about the very long days that our grandparents and great grandparents put in. You were also correct to point out that If some of them could take a vacation, it probably wasn't a paid one.
I do believe, however, that back in their time, it may have been a more achievable goal for the average (hard-working) person to be able to purchase a home, or a plot of land, etc. Seems like now, big purchase items such as buying a house, is out of reach for many.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
I agree, but, even my generation had expectations of a wait to get all that stuff. You worked, saved money for down payments and didn't buy anything until you found something that you could afford. It was usually pretty basic and you upgraded as you could afford it. Now, the demand to have everything 'right now' has fueled the cost of big purchases and have locked many families into having to work to maintain everything that current society seems to require.