Are we slaves to our work?

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   richbrayanposted 10 years ago

   It won't come as a surprise to many hubbers to know that most adults spend more time at their place of work than with their families. Normal people working 8am to 5pm spend approx 9hrs working or at work whilst  a mere 5hrs or so afterwards at home depending on when they go to sleep. This leads me to think are we slaves to work? Or is/has work become more important than family? Just a thought and would like to know what other hubbers think.

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      wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I might point out that providing for the family has been with us as far back as the caveman, spending the day hunting for a mammoth so his family can eat tomorrow.  Nothing new in spending time supplying food or other necessities.
      
      Nevertheless, we have crossed the line between providing for necessities and wanting every more luxuries.  Since WWII salaries have generally increased while prices have generally decreased for most things - specifically the necessities of life.  Still, we have now have a norm of two earner families ever since Rosie the Riveter - why?  Maybe because we want lots more luxuries and are willing to pay the price of less family time?

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         Zelkiiroposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Except the typical hunter-gatherer worked an average of 3-4 hours per day, mostly in short bursts (e.g. taking down a mammoth with rope and javelins). For many such people, the rest of their time was spent on intellectual pursuits (charting the sky, making jewelry, telling stories, etc.) in the company of their tribe.

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      2. 63

         richbrayanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Ahh wilderness, you've got a valid point in the sense that perhaps our greed to have more luxuries

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   2. 84

      gmwilliamsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Sadly, many people are work slaves.  Many people have jobs/ careers which provide the most security financially and/or jobwise.  They are not really engaged in their jobs.  They view their jobs an endurable purgatories because those jobs offer security and benefits.   Also, many people take jobs that are prescribed by their parents and what they were advised by teachers and guidance counselors. 
      
      Seldom people do jobs that they are passionate about, especially if they are the more unconventional and creative type.   Many creative types are sternly admonished by parents and other authoritative figures that creative jobs do not offer security, are too fanciful, and are not realstic.  They are advised to get a "real job" or if they persist in pursuing creative endeavors, they are told to "get a backup job" "just in case."  Yes, as a result of this inculcation, many people take jobs that they are lukewarm about with some taking jobs that they actually HATE.  Such people lead such gray work lives, strongly anticipating weekends, vacations, holidays, and ultimately retirement.  It is so SAD really.
      

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