What happened to the work ethic?

Question

the standards that people employ in their working life have gone down and there is so much money-grubbing and constant demand for more, more, more for doing less. I'm not saying that work life should be on a volunteer basis, but what is it with the over-valuation of effort people put into their jobs/career?

Answer 1

Susan, I agree with you. It seems people want to do very little work and make more money. I prefer the meatloaf myself.

Answer 2

I ask myself this question daily. Personally, I believe that society as a whole has become so overly focused on being "politically correct" that children are not being disciplined and taught respect for authority/elders. Heaven forbid we actually tell a child "NO" these days, because we may hurt their feelings! Teachers are afraid to discipline students, parents are afraid to discipline their children and employers are afraid to discipline employees. Without discipline we get poor work ethic and a sense of entitlement.

What no one fails to see is that children (and adults!) need discipline and limits. They need to know rejection so that they can face it on a larger scale in the real world and become more productive members of society.

When I was a child, I was taught that doing a job well was its own reward. Today, people seem to expect praise and gratitude for doing the bare minimum work.

I am constantly amazed to see workers in all environments on cell phones, surfing the internet or talking about their personal lives, all while waiting on customers or, worse, ignoring them. Customer service is lacking on so many levels, no wonder most retail businesses have to work on commission, it's the only way to get their employees to show some effort!

Obviously, not everyone in the job market today is not like this, I do believe some people are still striving to acheive a higher work ethic, but it's becoming more and more difficult to find them.

Answer 3

Well, I just came out of a situation where I was doing 3 jobs for 1 job's pay. They were illegally getting free labor from me. When I told them I would be seeking another position, they fired me the next day.

I've always over-worked for peanuts, so I've never had the experience of little work for too much pay. I envy those who do have that. I wouldn't complain if I were in their boat that's for sure. Although I would be doing my work very well (as always) especially if I feel the pay is equal to my general output or effort.

I agree somewhat though, that the unions have been getting quite demanding. They have managed to raise themselves right out of many industries. Companies have moved to places like India to run away from greedy unions and their members.

Answer 4

Management tolerates what it tolerates- if people don't keep up with the pace of the office, management needs to address it. They shouldn't have people chained to their desks of course, but it is true- many people seem to over inflate their input and value in any given project. But, in recent years I have become a "money grubber"- I'm pushing 50, would like to retire at a moderately youthful age, and things are so damn expensive!!! So, yes, I am obsessed with the size (small) of my paycheck.

Answer 5

People want the perfect work-life balance, but some people take it too far and prefer the life to the work.

Employers are asking too much of their employees, and money is scarce now, because of the economy/recession.

Answer 6

I want to work where ever you work!!! I work my rump off and don't get paid much of anything. I can't even break 13,000 a year when I'm working full time! Management is lazy and the peons get everything piled on them and get threatened to be fired if they don't do it.

Answer 7

It has become so easy to get welfare, afdc, food stamps, and other assitance that people don't want to have to work for it anymore when they can get it for free! That is why I say do away with all government subsidized programs!