We don't need no stinking work/life balance!!

[Kooshdakhaa]

Feel free to work part time if you want. No one is forcing you to work more than you want to are they?

damn shame your reps off.


first question out of my mouth at a job interview; Is there lots of overtime?

Now I know you don't know what you're talking about. Companies want to limit overtime. You haven't run across that concept? Every company I've worked for in the past 40 years keeps a tight rein on overtime.

What they want is for me to answer the urgent phone call from work last night, drop what I'm doing, access my work computer from home and work on fixing the problem. And NOT claim any overtime. I mean, I'm at home, right?

 

[Kooshdakhaa]

One thing you'll notice, BDBoop, is that a lot of men will bash you for saying this. That's because while they may work an extra hour or two here or there, when they come home they sit around like kings and get waited on. While their wife, who also worked a full day cooks the meals, washes the dishes, does the laundry, cleans the house...

Now some men are going to reply by saying they cook, or they clean or they whatever. And, yeah, sure, they mow the lawn once in a while or something like that. But MOST men sit around on their asses at home or partake in some activity that's fun for them. While the women work their asses off.

That old adage is true..."Men may work from dusk to dawn, but a woman's work is never done."

Still true today, no matter how hard people try to believe it isn't.

 

[rightwinger]

Some Countries Realize You Have A Life Outside Work. The U.S. Isn't One Of Them.

Working in the U.S. ain't what it used to be.

While other countries are coming up with new ways to promote work-life balance, such as France's latest move to limit after-hours email, the U.S. seems to be falling behind. It's been some time since the nation once responsible for creating weekends and the 40-hour work week made any sweeping changes to improve the working lives of its greatest living resource: people.

And it's not just because Americans are workaholics. Instead, it might have to with what has been called the productivity squeeze or speedup. High unemployment in the wake of the Great Recession has enabled companies to squeeze more out of fewer workers, all while paying them roughly the same amount. It's great for corporate profits -- which hit a record high last year -- but not so much for workers.

But the consequences may be beginning to show. A 2012 poll found that less than half of American workers are totally satisfied with their jobs. Meanwhile, protests over wages and working conditions for low-wage employees have spread throughout the U.S. since 2012.

And as always, what gets me is that most of the people who will attack me over this post are working 9-5 just like me.

Looking out for the well being of workers is unamerican.

Dare I say it?

Dare....Dare


Socialist

 

[Kooshdakhaa]

Some Countries Realize You Have A Life Outside Work. The U.S. Isn't One Of Them.

Working in the U.S. ain't what it used to be.

While other countries are coming up with new ways to promote work-life balance, such as France's latest move to limit after-hours email, the U.S. seems to be falling behind. It's been some time since the nation once responsible for creating weekends and the 40-hour work week made any sweeping changes to improve the working lives of its greatest living resource: people.

And it's not just because Americans are workaholics. Instead, it might have to with what has been called the productivity squeeze or speedup. High unemployment in the wake of the Great Recession has enabled companies to squeeze more out of fewer workers, all while paying them roughly the same amount. It's great for corporate profits -- which hit a record high last year -- but not so much for workers.

But the consequences may be beginning to show. A 2012 poll found that less than half of American workers are totally satisfied with their jobs. Meanwhile, protests over wages and working conditions for low-wage employees have spread throughout the U.S. since 2012.

And as always, what gets me is that most of the people who will attack me over this post are working 9-5 just like me.

My guys work on a percentage...the more they work, the more they make.

They could work 40 hours and average $900 per week...but every one of them works as hard as they are legally permitted if the freight is available.

They work hard because they want to get ahead...succeed, not just survive.

One of my guys saved $40,000 cash in two years and bought the truck he was driving from me...now HE'S the boss, he does what he wants, when he wants...and do you know what he wants?

A FLEET of trucks...so instead of slackin' he's working harder than ever.

And he'll do it too...he has the will to succeed.

Yeah, and just remember...he doesn't have to do shit when he gets home at night.

 

[Kooshdakhaa]

Just like you? How on earth would you know that. At your age, a 40 hour work week should provide you good money if you planned instead of wanting things given to you.

In our youth the ability and smarts to work more hours to plan for your future is smart and forward thinking. Those kids will be the ones at your age not whining because they don't have what they want in life, and they realize sacrifices build character. That's what sets people apart.

I'm fine with my life. You on the other hand sure seem angry most of the time.

You're fine yet you whine.

Posting a topic for discussion on a discussion board is whining? Oh, wait...only if you don't agree with the op...then, it's whining, right?

 

[Quantum Windbag]

Some Countries Realize You Have A Life Outside Work. The U.S. Isn't One Of Them.

Working in the U.S. ain't what it used to be.

While other countries are coming up with new ways to promote work-life balance, such as France's latest move to limit after-hours email, the U.S. seems to be falling behind. It's been some time since the nation once responsible for creating weekends and the 40-hour work week made any sweeping changes to improve the working lives of its greatest living resource: people.

And it's not just because Americans are workaholics. Instead, it might have to with what has been called the productivity squeeze or speedup. High unemployment in the wake of the Great Recession has enabled companies to squeeze more out of fewer workers, all while paying them roughly the same amount. It's great for corporate profits -- which hit a record high last year -- but not so much for workers.

But the consequences may be beginning to show. A 2012 poll found that less than half of American workers are totally satisfied with their jobs. Meanwhile, protests over wages and working conditions for low-wage employees have spread throughout the U.S. since 2012.

And as always, what gets me is that most of the people who will attack me over this post are working 9-5 just like me.

Apparently some people still think the life/school/work balance all has to happen at the same time. Balancing all those things takes years of planning, and should be up to the individual what balance he wants. In Europe, the state knows all.

Frankly, I would rather be free and miserable than happy and enslaved.

 

[BDBoop]

One thing you'll notice, BDBoop, is that a lot of men will bash you for saying this. That's because while they may work an extra hour or two here or there, when they come home they sit around like kings and get waited on. While their wife, who also worked a full day cooks the meals, washes the dishes, does the laundry, cleans the house...

Now some men are going to reply by saying they cook, or they clean or they whatever. And, yeah, sure, they mow the lawn once in a while or something like that. But MOST men sit around on their asses at home or partake in some activity that's fun for them. While the women work their asses off.

That old adage is true..."Men may work from dusk to dawn, but a woman's work is never done."

Still true today, no matter how hard people try to believe it isn't.

Tell me about it. I see even the good marriages, throw a newborn into the mix. They're both working full-time - but who gets up with the baby probably 99% of the time?

 

[Skull Pilot]

I'm fine with my life. You on the other hand sure seem angry most of the time.

You're fine yet you whine.

Posting a topic for discussion on a discussion board is whining? Oh, wait...only if you don't agree with the op...then, it's whining, right?

When you complain a that people in this country have to work too hard then yes you are whining.

 

[rightwinger]

Work long hours for low pay! No vacations

Don't expect to retire

Conservative utopia

 

[Two Thumbs]

Feel free to work part time if you want. No one is forcing you to work more than you want to are they?

damn shame your reps off.


first question out of my mouth at a job interview; Is there lots of overtime?

Now I know you don't know what you're talking about. Companies want to limit overtime. You haven't run across that concept? Every company I've worked for in the past 40 years keeps a tight rein on overtime.

What they want is for me to answer the urgent phone call from work last night, drop what I'm doing, access my work computer from home and work on fixing the problem. And NOT claim any overtime. I mean, I'm at home, right?

during peak I work 54 hours a week.

If you are working and not getting paid, that's your fault.

 

[Two Thumbs]

One thing you'll notice, BDBoop, is that a lot of men will bash you for saying this. That's because while they may work an extra hour or two here or there, when they come home they sit around like kings and get waited on. While their wife, who also worked a full day cooks the meals, washes the dishes, does the laundry, cleans the house...

Now some men are going to reply by saying they cook, or they clean or they whatever. And, yeah, sure, they mow the lawn once in a while or something like that. But MOST men sit around on their asses at home or partake in some activity that's fun for them. While the women work their asses off.

That old adage is true..."Men may work from dusk to dawn, but a woman's work is never done."

Still true today, no matter how hard people try to believe it isn't.

wow, that's some straight up sexism right there.

mmm, hypocrassy

 

[Wry Catcher]

Are any of you aware that for some people, this is what they want out of life.

• Find a job
• Buy a house
• Fall in love, get married
• Have kids
• Raise kids
• Have kids be able to pick you out of a lineup
• Retire comfortably

That's all past-tense. No longer an option. And I'm glad that's fine with you? But you're not the norm.

Nowhere near.

Funny. I have a house (2 actually)

I own a business

I chose not to have kids

I have all the time and money i need to do whatever i want

And I got there by working harder than the next guy and giving up vacations and working 60 or 70 hour weeks for a few years

It's this new thing called sacrifice along with this other new thing called planning ahead.

You should try them sometimes.

I own two houses

I have two sons

I have all the time and money I need to do what I want

I never worked more than 40 hours a week

I always took off at least three weeks vacation every year

My retirement includes medical for life

I retired at age 57 with 32 years service

Since I retired my wife and I have been to 40 States, Europe, Mexico, Central America, South America and Canada.

I'm part owner of SF Giants Season Tickets and part owner of SF 49er Season tickets

And yes, I planned ahead.

You needed someone to plan for you.

 

[Shrimpbox]

While I thought the discussion zone was not supposed to mirror the political forums, you all started it.


Koosh, all I can say is just admit that you are promoting a stereotype and if that is what you think about all men you have feminist anger issues or have made poor choices in your matrimonial life which is your fault and not ours. To paint all men with such a broad brush is dishonest.


B.D. I don't know you and have enjoyed many of your posts, but f you work nine to five and have enough time to post as much as you do you certainly are not being overworked. Your op seems to be more about the trickle down effect of liberalism, class warfare, and income inequality. Demonizing work especially hard work is just another step towards government control and a retreat from freedom, liberty and individualism. Work brings self esteem, pride, and a sense of worth and at least generally this country still allows you to chose whatever path or career you want.


How many people in the fifties didn't like their jobs but kept working in order to provide a better life for their children, or choose any decade. The reason you have polls like this today is because you have Obama-ites telling everyone how unfair it all is and how none of it is their fault, how unjust it is to have to work for a living. There is no shame to mooching off other people, in fact in today's world you are the smart one if you are living on the dole.


Finally if I and the middle class didn't have to support so many govt programs and other people I wouldn't have to work so hard. A couple of years ago my wife and I paid 17,000 a year just to have medical ins. Before we got any payout. This is just the beginning of the litany of what the govt is taking so I can support not the needy but the greedy, and yes this goes for both ends of the spectrum, rich and poor.


B.D. Ask yourself what kind of reception a post like this would have gotten in W.W. II, when men and women sacrificed unselfishly, worked massive hours for very little pay and carried on with life without whining or complaining. Today's narcissistic what about me mentality is overwhelming the responsibility of all citizens to be productive in what ever way they can, and for eons that has meant working.

 

[Kooshdakhaa]

One thing you'll notice, BDBoop, is that a lot of men will bash you for saying this. That's because while they may work an extra hour or two here or there, when they come home they sit around like kings and get waited on. While their wife, who also worked a full day cooks the meals, washes the dishes, does the laundry, cleans the house...

Now some men are going to reply by saying they cook, or they clean or they whatever. And, yeah, sure, they mow the lawn once in a while or something like that. But MOST men sit around on their asses at home or partake in some activity that's fun for them. While the women work their asses off.

That old adage is true..."Men may work from dusk to dawn, but a woman's work is never done."

Still true today, no matter how hard people try to believe it isn't.

wow, that's some straight up sexism right there.

mmm, hypocrassy

How is it hypocrisy? I've never been one to deny the many differences, physical or mental between the sexes. It would only be hypocrisy if I was always insisting that men and women are totally equal and the same. Right?

 

[Kooshdakhaa]

You're fine yet you whine.

Posting a topic for discussion on a discussion board is whining? Oh, wait...only if you don't agree with the op...then, it's whining, right?

When you complain a that people in this country have to work too hard then yes you are whining.

No, you are stating an opinion. The only way to correct things is to bring them out and discuss them.

When you accuse people of whining for discussing something they think is wrong, you are discouraging progress.

Especially considering this is a discussion board for crying out loud.

 

[Kooshdakhaa]

damn shame your reps off.


first question out of my mouth at a job interview; Is there lots of overtime?

Now I know you don't know what you're talking about. Companies want to limit overtime. You haven't run across that concept? Every company I've worked for in the past 40 years keeps a tight rein on overtime.

What they want is for me to answer the urgent phone call from work last night, drop what I'm doing, access my work computer from home and work on fixing the problem. And NOT claim any overtime. I mean, I'm at home, right?

during peak I work 54 hours a week.

If you are working and not getting paid, that's your fault.

You know, maybe you're right. I think I'll bring this topic up at work tomorrow, see how that goes over. Because now I'm curious...I wonder if others are putting the time down when they get called at home to handle a work problem.

 

[DriftingSand]

Some Countries Realize You Have A Life Outside Work. The U.S. Isn't One Of Them.

Working in the U.S. ain't what it used to be.

While other countries are coming up with new ways to promote work-life balance, such as France's latest move to limit after-hours email, the U.S. seems to be falling behind. It's been some time since the nation once responsible for creating weekends and the 40-hour work week made any sweeping changes to improve the working lives of its greatest living resource: people.

And it's not just because Americans are workaholics. Instead, it might have to with what has been called the productivity squeeze or speedup. High unemployment in the wake of the Great Recession has enabled companies to squeeze more out of fewer workers, all while paying them roughly the same amount. It's great for corporate profits -- which hit a record high last year -- but not so much for workers.

But the consequences may be beginning to show. A 2012 poll found that less than half of American workers are totally satisfied with their jobs. Meanwhile, protests over wages and working conditions for low-wage employees have spread throughout the U.S. since 2012.

And as always, what gets me is that most of the people who will attack me over this post are working 9-5 just like me.

Fortunately (or unfortunately if your for the free market) America is conforming to the standards set by the rest of the world. She's losing ground in manufacturing and industry in general and the balance between work and free time is rapidly shifting towards "free time" as a result of very high unemployment. And now, with the ultra high price of medical insurance/Obamacare many companies are cutting hours to 29 hours per week to avoid those high costs. Just give us a little time. We'll conform to the 3rd world in a few short decades (at the rate we're going).

Personally, I seize every opportunity I can to work extra hours and enjoy that big paycheck. For me ... work is enjoyable. I thrive when I'm producing and reaching goals.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

Work long hours for low pay! No vacations

Don't expect to retire

Conservative utopia

Why would you do that?
Sounds more like a life plan of a lazy person with no ambition.

 

[Book of Jeremiah]

While I thought the discussion zone was not supposed to mirror the political forums, you all started it.


Koosh, all I can say is just admit that you are promoting a stereotype and if that is what you think about all men you have feminist anger issues or have made poor choices in your matrimonial life which is your fault and not ours. To paint all men with such a broad brush is dishonest.


B.D. I don't know you and have enjoyed many of your posts, but f you work nine to five and have enough time to post as much as you do you certainly are not being overworked. Your op seems to be more about the trickle down effect of liberalism, class warfare, and income inequality. Demonizing work especially hard work is just another step towards government control and a retreat from freedom, liberty and individualism. Work brings self esteem, pride, and a sense of worth and at least generally this country still allows you to chose whatever path or career you want.


How many people in the fifties didn't like their jobs but kept working in order to provide a better life for their children, or choose any decade. The reason you have polls like this today is because you have Obama-ites telling everyone how unfair it all is and how none of it is their fault, how unjust it is to have to work for a living. There is no shame to mooching off other people, in fact in today's world you are the smart one if you are living on the dole.


Finally if I and the middle class didn't have to support so many govt programs and other people I wouldn't have to work so hard. A couple of years ago my wife and I paid 17,000 a year just to have medical ins. Before we got any payout. This is just the beginning of the litany of what the govt is taking so I can support not the needy but the greedy, and yes this goes for both ends of the spectrum, rich and poor.


B.D. Ask yourself what kind of reception a post like this would have gotten in W.W. II, when men and women sacrificed unselfishly, worked massive hours for very little pay and carried on with life without whining or complaining. Today's narcissistic what about me mentality is overwhelming the responsibility of all citizens to be productive in what ever way they can, and for eons that has meant working.

While I appreciate your point of view, I don't read the same thing from BD's message. First of all, she works the graveyard shift which is no easy job. Working 40 hr weeks on the graveyard shift would be like working 70 hr wk during day for most of us here. Then there is the day to day tasks that have to be handled too. BD is very independent and would not accept your help if you offered it. You've misjudged her if you think that about her. I do agree with you that her posts and threads such as Front Porch are very good. She adds alot to the board.
About the OP..
What I got from the post is that the Europeans have different priorities from Americans. I don't believe it would be a bad idea if American people had more time to spend with their families, their children. I don't believe it would be a bad idea to consolidate 2 or 3 cars into 1 car in exchange for more freedom / more time of our own..

I do believe everyone needs a break. I remember as a single parent never taking a vacation from work. For over twenty years - I never once took a vacation. I worked on mothers day, christmas eve, holidays because I made more money and didn't think I could afford to take the time off. I regret that now because the world would not have stopped if I had taken more time off. I am for more time off - for families spending more time together and turning off the television. ( cut the cord and put it on the curb ) At the end of our lives we will not say I wish I had spent more time at the office instead of going to my sons ballgame, taking my kids to the beach....

 

[Mr Natural]

Two things you'll never hear a dying man say:

1. I shouldn't have fucked all those women.

and

2. I should have spent more time at the office.