Another hopeless NYT article about how Americans hate their jobs

[Gyosho]

The NYT again pontificates about how hopeless it is in America today:

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/checking-out/?hp&_r=0

Never mentioning the option of being frugal, saving your money, and "checking out" to financial freedom

[mpbaker22]

I agree with a lot of it.  It's true that "Americans" hate their jobs.  I work at a company full of process flow-downs where the best thing is to say yes-sir, and yes-ma'am.  Don't try to change anything if you want to keep your job.  It's inefficient and silly, but it's the way it is.

[Forcus]

I have mixed feelings on the article and comments. Alot of it reads as a statement of hopelessness because of things that you can't control. Alot of it sounds like blameshifting because of things you can control. Somewhere in the middle is the truth.

[mpbaker22]

agree with Forcus, but this comment from an employer about says it all

The truth of the matter is that you are not going to be given the "chance" or the raise or the promotion unless you are always working hard and prove to your employer that the job takes priority over family, lifestyle, and your personal life from 9-5 and you are dedicated to the success of the employer and the client.

Fortunately, I don't need the money so badly that I'm willing to give up family, lifestyle, and personal life for a 9-5.

[simonsez]

70 percent of them either hate going to work or have mentally checked out to the point of costing their companies money — “roaming the halls spreading discontent,” as Gallup reported. Only 30 percent of workers are “engaged and inspired” at work.

Dichotomous much?  Being in the field of surveys myself, the pigeonholing of options seen in some is always cringe-worthy not to mention easy bait for manipulation purposes.

[Jamesqf]

Never mentioning the option of being frugal, saving your money, and "checking out" to financial freedom

Or finding a job you actually like.  I can't honestly say that I've disliked any job I've had since the cleaner in a resort hotel one back in the '80s, and I even liked that one better than not eating.

[Lans Holman]

It might be interesting to read the whole survey that the article is based on.  While I would agree with the criticisms you guys are making from the point of view of employees, I think the article is spot on in pointing out that some basic humanity and outreach on the part of employers and bosses would go a long way. 

[renbutler]

I hate my job, and I feel stuck in it. But I blame myself for following the wrong career path for me.

At least I like my employer (for now, although we just got sold, and I don't know how that's going to pan out). And it pays decently, and it's really close to my house. The culture is also very laid back (flex hours, extremely casual dress code, etc.).

But I would say I definitely hate what I do because it isn't challenging or interesting. It just makes me work toward FIRE that much more.

[Gyosho]

I think what strikes me most about this article and the other NYT article about $ 1 Million not being enough is the culture of helplessness that they are encouraging.

One reason I love MMM is his positivity.

[oldtoyota]

I just read Lee Eisenberg's book called The Number. It's about the number one needs to retire. In it, he's constantly citing depressing New York Times articles. I guess the NYT makes money off of these depressing stories.

According to that newspaper, we'd better just all go jump off a cliff!

[oldtoyota]

agree with Forcus, but this comment from an employer about says it all

The truth of the matter is that you are not going to be given the "chance" or the raise or the promotion unless you are always working hard and prove to your employer that the job takes priority over family, lifestyle, and your personal life from 9-5 and you are dedicated to the success of the employer and the client.

Fortunately, I don't need the money so badly that I'm willing to give up family, lifestyle, and personal life for a 9-5.

I was about to say that the above is not true. However, it might be true. I think one does have to be dedicated to success. What "success" is and how that gets achieved (and how long it takes to achieve it) is really the factor as to whether you get to prioritize family or not. Also, it's more likely you will *get* to prioritize family if you do, indeed, prioritize family. Look at Sheryl Sandberg's "alarming" revelation that she leaves the office at 5:30. She was scared to say it, but she did. She even talks about trying to get out of the office with no one seeing her.

At a certain level and in a certain type of job, one can gain flexibility to prioritize family during regular hours. I work irregular hours at times. In return, my employer (my boss, really) is flexible with me. However, I have demonstrated my dedication and achieved outstanding results, which naturally makes the place more likely to be flexible with me. Also, my boss wants flexibility. =-) And so, I think, does his boss.

Employers know it's expensive to replace good talent. If you are good talent--and you are not working for crazy people--then it's more likely that they will be flexible. I think we, as a culture, are slowly moving toward blending work and non-work lives. I hope that official 9-5 work becomes passe.

On a related topic, I work in a place with a lot of people who work from home, other states, etc. The company loves it that they do not have to pay rent for places for people to sit. In the end, everyone gets more flexibility and saves money.

[MrsPete]

I think HATE is way too strong a word for how most Americans feel about their jobs.  I think the vast majority of Americans would prefer not to need to get up early in the morning and would prefer not to be tied to someone else's schedule . . . but if they genuinely hated their jobs, they'd leave them and do something else no matter what the cost. 

[dragoncar]

I think HATE is way too strong a word for how most Americans feel about their jobs.  I think the vast majority of Americans would prefer not to need to get up early in the morning and would prefer not to be tied to someone else's schedule . . . but if they genuinely hated their jobs, they'd leave them and do something else no matter what the cost.

I truly hate getting up in the morning.  There are no viable alternatives (even jobs that start later require adherence to a schedule of some sort).  So yeah, I can see people sticking out a job they hate for money or whatever. 

[Albert]

I truly hate getting up in the morning.  There are no viable alternatives (even jobs that start later require adherence to a schedule of some sort).  So yeah, I can see people sticking out a job they hate for money or whatever.

Generally speaking I enjoy my job, but not when I need to get out of bed at 7 am. After I take shower and have a cup of tea I'm fine again :)

There are a lot of perks for my job, but the one I love the most is flexible working hours. Short of having an important meeting in the morning no one cares if I come at 7 am or 11 am.

[DocCyane]

I don't hate my job because I like money. Other than that, I don't much care for it.

But knowing any job would be bad makes me realize I should tolerate what I do and strive for FIRE.

I don't actively undermine my company. I never say a negative thing at work that might make for a bad environment. As far as any of them know, I'm a ridiculously happy employee. It's a lie.

I've been planning my exit since day one.

I'm not hopeless. I'm all optimism. But the optimism is about being free of every bad company, job and boss I've had to tolerate.

[pachnik]

I'm in between jobs right now and doing contract work.  In about 2 months, I will be looking for permanent work.   I am okay with what I actually do.     

But since i found the MMM site two months, I've seen work really differently.  Now, I have more specific financial goals to work towards and it is very empowering to have a plan.  At my age, early retirement is probably not possible.   However, as I have said before in another post, to me MMM is about optimizing my earnings.

[NYD3030]

Isn't the fact that holding a job sucks when you NEED one to pay for all your crap a basic tenet of living 'round these parts?

EDIT: Spelling

[SnackDog]

That is why it is called Work. It is not a paid holiday or a Montesouri school. Your employer needs something done and are paying you to do it, that's the deal.

[Lina]

agree with Forcus, but this comment from an employer about says it all

The truth of the matter is that you are not going to be given the "chance" or the raise or the promotion unless you are always working hard and prove to your employer that the job takes priority over family, lifestyle, and your personal life from 9-5 and you are dedicated to the success of the employer and the client.

Fortunately, I don't need the money so badly that I'm willing to give up family, lifestyle, and personal life for a 9-5.

I read this that the employer want's you to focus on your job between 9-5. I have seen so many unproductive people doing everything else except their job during 9-5. I didn't interpret it that he/she wants the job to take over your weekends.

I have found that if you are a productive employee you get much more flexibility than the average employee. It also demands some flexibility from your part. With my previous employer I was able to work from home when needed. I mostly got in to office about 9 and left at 4 but I did my job and some more. I came with suggestions of how to improve stufff. Sometimes I took work with me home but mostly I only did it if I felt doing it.

[pac_NW]

My take on the article was different - I read it as a call to management and leaders.  For those of us in the MMM community that do lead and manage people, let's be the best we can be at those jobs.  I agree that a great leader can make a difference at work. Think about times when you worked for a great boss (I hope there has been a time) - those jobs were likely better than others. I also read the article as a call to those who are unhappy.  I believe we have a choice - we decide. I think it is the most powerful thing - that fact that we can choose.  Choose to live MMM, choose to downsize, choose to change jobs, choose to get in shape, choose to eat healthily, choose to be a great boss, etc.  I am going to share this article with my leadership team as a thoughtful reminder on how they impact their teams.

[mpbaker22]

I have found that if you are a productive employee you get much more flexibility than the average employee. It also demands some flexibility from your part. With my previous employer I was able to work from home when needed. I mostly got in to office about 9 and left at 4 but I did my job and some more. I came with suggestions of how to improve stufff. Sometimes I took work with me home but mostly I only did it if I felt doing it.

Interesting. At the massive corporate conglomeration I work at,  the better worker you are the less flexibility you get.  If you get your work done quickly, you're expected to stare at a blank screen for the remainder of the 40 hours.  Suggestions to improve stuff is frowned upon.
Actually, that last point is something other employers say about employees at my company - they can only follow processes and have been trained NOT to offer improvements.

[MrsPete]

I disagree.  If you genuinely hate your job, you'll go elsewhere, even if it's for less money, a greater commute, whatever.  If you hate the job, you will embrace a sacrifice to get rid of it.  If you're willing to stay because the money is worthwhile (or a similar reason), you might greatly dislike the job . . . But I'd disagree with the word hate.
 

I think HATE is way too strong a word for how most Americans feel about their jobs.  I think the vast majority of Americans would prefer not to need to get up early in the morning and would prefer not to be tied to someone else's schedule . . . but if they genuinely hated their jobs, they'd leave them and do something else no matter what the cost.

I truly hate getting up in the morning.  There are no viable alternatives (even jobs that start later require adherence to a schedule of some sort).  So yeah, I can see people sticking out a job they hate for money or whatever.

[dragoncar]

I disagree.  If you genuinely hate your job, you'll go elsewhere, even if it's for less money, a greater commute, whatever.  If you hate the job, you will embrace a sacrifice to get rid of it.  If you're willing to stay because the money is worthwhile (or a similar reason), you might greatly dislike the job . . . But I'd disagree with the word hate.
 

I think HATE is way too strong a word for how most Americans feel about their jobs.  I think the vast majority of Americans would prefer not to need to get up early in the morning and would prefer not to be tied to someone else's schedule . . . but if they genuinely hated their jobs, they'd leave them and do something else no matter what the cost.

I truly hate getting up in the morning.  There are no viable alternatives (even jobs that start later require adherence to a schedule of some sort).  So yeah, I can see people sticking out a job they hate for money or whatever.

You disagree that I hate getting up in the morning?  I can hate whatever I want... I don't need your permission.  Don't make me put you on the list.

[Lina]

My take on the article was different - I read it as a call to management and leaders.  For those of us in the MMM community that do lead and manage people, let's be the best we can be at those jobs.  I agree that a great leader can make a difference at work. Think about times when you worked for a great boss (I hope there has been a time) - those jobs were likely better than others. I also read the article as a call to those who are unhappy.  I believe we have a choice - we decide. I think it is the most powerful thing - that fact that we can choose.  Choose to live MMM, choose to downsize, choose to change jobs, choose to get in shape, choose to eat healthily, choose to be a great boss, etc.  I am going to share this article with my leadership team as a thoughtful reminder on how they impact their teams.

I agree with you about the call to management and leaders. I was unclear, but I was referring to one of the comments to the article.

Interesting. At the massive corporate conglomeration I work at,  the better worker you are the less flexibility you get.  If you get your work done quickly, you're expected to stare at a blank screen for the remainder of the 40 hours.  Suggestions to improve stuff is frowned upon.
Actually, that last point is something other employers say about employees at my company - they can only follow processes and have been trained NOT to offer improvements.

I would start looking for another job if I were you! I doesn't sound like a fun place to work at.