What "hard work" really consists of in the modern world is an interesting question. It is usually not hard physical labor these days. But great capacity to endure boredom has to be up there with what it takes to be a hard worker today. Can't let the attention wander to more interesting things. Some get so desperate they take drugs for this (mostly prescriptions). Combined with willingness to give up more hours of your life to such work than the average, with the hope it will pay off someday.
Trees don't grow on money
For my husband, he was working a desk job for many years (10), and it was largely simple work that underused his talents and ability. There was some tedium as well. BUt the hardest part for him was that it didn't feel productive.
His work went into -- essentially -- a black hole. He would do the work, and then when clients were surveyed, there was one question related to his work on that survey, which always came back negative because it wasn't clear in the question. And from there, his whole department's "status" was determined based on this -- how much money they would get, whether or not they'll get raises, etc, and so on).
So even though he did great work, was good at what he did, and seemed to do well with it and enjoy it for the most part, it just wasn't very rewarding. Without going into management and moving up the 'ladder' into work that he doesn't want to do, there was really no way to increase in income other than the paltry raises every year.
Certainly, there would be no way to get ahead.
He then transferred into a job (which was a promotion and a raise), which better utilized his skills, but also increased his stress levels. And, they promised him two raises -- the first when he took the job, and the second 6 months later. But, they ultimately didn't give him the second one, saying they'd never promised it, even though it was in the contract that he signed for the new position. Then, it was "a freeze on all raises" that was the reason given.
Luckily, we moved shortly after this, because to be honest, he was really tired of working that corporate job. The stress was high -- due to the deadline demands -- but the work went nowhere and did nothing. It kept him engaged, but there was no "output" or "reward" for the work -- seeing your work out there.
Now, everything we do has impact. He makes brochures today, prints, them and puts them around town, we see new clients, who found our brochure at X site. He puts things on the web, and people come in saying "i found it on the web at X site." People compliment his work daily -- as he does most of our marketing -- and we see a direct impact of that work on a daily basis. We see it in our bank account.
In addition, he has plenty of time each day to work on his own projects plus on-the-side contract work. It's much more rewarding. And, unlike a lot of dads, he spends most of the day with the Kid -- practically like a SAHD.
We still work hard. But it's joyous, rewarding work. And it's worth it. We see the outcome every day. Today, for example, I have two entirely full classes. That's marketing!
Oh please pretty please don't go Galt on us. However will we all survive without you?Originally Posted by bae
Wherever bae lives he can still participate on this forum. It's the internet, doncha know. We won't lose him.
Hey bae, Canada is a nice country. Personally I'd stay away from the cold places but would like the more temperate ones.
It is indeed lovely, I used to go over to the Gulf Islands once or twice a week, before 9/11 made that more-than-a-bit-of-a-pain. Even though I can see my destination there from my house here. It's one of the leading contenders.
I really enjoyed Montreal myself. I'm more of a city person. Quebec city was also nice.
As one who has entertained the idea of emigration more than once, I think you are way off base. I've been a model citizen. Any country would be happy to claim me. I've volunteered and demonstrated, I've been in constant contact with my representatives to convey my concerns and opinions. I've donated money and time in the interests of bettering my country. At this point, I'm doubtful that I can counteract--in even a small way--the influence of corporations with unlimited funds to essentially buy off our government "of the people." Many of us are the descendants of people who took the initiative to leave countries when political or economic conditions became unbearable. I see nothing remotely shameful about that.
+1At this point, I'm doubtful that I can counteract--in even a small way--the influence of corporations with unlimited funds to essentially buy off our government "of the people." Many of us are the descendants of people who took the initiative to leave countries when political or economic conditions became unbearable. I see nothing remotely shameful about that.
Last edited by ApatheticNoMore; 2-5-12 at 5:35pm.
Trees don't grow on money
Indeed, Jane.
Nor do I (and well said Jane). And for the record, I've been off base a few times before. One of the hazards of brainstorming. Let me ask you this, if it were possible to initiate change in ways you see as beneficial would you rather stay here and do that? My answer would obviously be yes even with the understanding that change isn't going to happen overnight. I do think you're right about corporate influence being out of line, but I don't think we're (as in average citizens) helpless. Those corporations sell goods and services. We aren't required to buy those if the parent company is acting in ways we feel are irresponsible. We can work to expose substandard practices and demand change. I think we all know that it would probably be more work than packing up and moving to a place with a different take on your particular issue and there is certainly no guarantee of success. As much as anything I guess I'm trying to figure out at what point an intelligent, engaged citizen throws in the towel?
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