The Great Resignation: Why U.S. Workers Are Burned Out and Quitting | Amanpour and Company

As the pandemic eases in some parts of the world, we’re seeing the so-called “great resignation:” 20 million people in the U.S. have quit their jobs since April, according to federal statistics. Jennifer Moss explains this phenomenon in her new book "The Burnout Epidemic," and speaks with Michel Martin about why this is a cultural, rather than an individual, problem.
Originally aired on October 29, 2021.
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@DimaRakesah]

The attitude of "no one wants to work!" just shows what a problem we have. Our culture is so conditioned to assume people are lazy that we can work people to death and then think they are lazy when they can't take it anymore.

[@carladw3380]

Thank you, this needed to be said

[@mannyechaluce3814]

Mexicans and the Chinese can take it, only Murican's can't

[@Vikinggirl1679]

So true. To show the complete narcissism these huge companies have, some got together and posted huge billboards that said "get off your butt and get to work" they are mad cause their little slave labor workforce isn't taking it anymore!

[@amydecker6207]

The only people I hear complaining about "no one wants to work" are seniors who are bitching about wanting someone to work for $2/hour just so they can eat in a crummy restaurant. Young folks deserve better.

[@Vikinggirl1679]

@@amydecker6207 right! Although I work in a group home with 4 lovely residents and we need more people desperately. They finally raised the pay and gave bonuses to the people who do direct care with the clients instead of only the office people. They are at least trying to keep what they have and recruit more workers. Will it work? Time will tell. Could be to little to late.

[@janswan6420]

maybe workers are sick of seeing the CEOs of the companies they work for become billionaires while they don't have a living wage - it is about time!

[@jelef001]

they should have interviewed YOU! Why isn't this the conversation?

[@parkyayak]

@@jelef001 The reason it is not the conversation is because it is inconvenient to white collar professionals, like the woman being interviewed, just as much as it is inconvenient to the owner class; chamber of commerce, small businesses, millionaires, and billionaires. I stopped watching within the first five minutes because I didn't hear two words, LABOR EXPLOITATION. If she knew what she was talking about, those two words would have been said in some combination within the first five minutes.

[@kathypiazza7228]

I will wager that some moms found they had more money not paying 2/3 of their wages in child care then add gas, car maintenance- just needing 2 cars is an added expense, take out or delivery meals - because the kids are hungry & parents are exhausted, travel expense & travel time, at the expense of not being able to spend enough time with their families. I know a few moms not going back to work because they have seen it’s not worth it, they saved money cooking & baking & gardening again. So I wonder if there’s a whole lot more of them.

[@kimberlychodur3508]

@@kathypiazza7228 I have often thought the same thing, when you add up all the things you mentioned, how much are these women really making and is it worth it? I can see a lot of women realizing that during the pandemic, especially if they were laid off, and had more time for these things.

[@oliviaturner7388]

And watching them use the blood money to buy rockets to go into space, while their employees are barely able to take a day off without an interrogation.

[@carlosenriquez2092]

Tired of being treated like trash, crap benefits, crap pay, crap scheduling, corporations expecting loyalty while offering little in return. They say no money for raises while the shareholders and top brass sweat money. It's time to say goodbye to these bad companies and bad bosses.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

I was in Canada and I literally moved to France to escape this awful lifestyle. And I was shocked at how easy it was to find work. Tradespeople in France are in record high demand. Employers are increasing salaries and benefits. You don't even have to apply for a job.

[@markwhittaker6866]

Exactly!

[@christinasuozzo]

100%. Excellent point!

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

Think about this: My father retired in 1991 with a peak salary as a court officer making $55,000 annually. By today's standards that is still about average despite the rise in the cost of living. Now compare that with the average CEO bonus and salaries since thirty years ago? America, we have a problem. It's called greed from the top.

[@zenseed75]

They also had 70 dollar mortgages and cheap college. The rest of us have been screwed.

[@michaeldalton8374]

Did he get a new $1,400 cellular phone every year and drink $7 cups of coffee?

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

@@michaeldalton8374 Haha! More like a single landline for the entire family. (Extra long 50 ft. cord for privacy was fancy). Coffee? 50 cents.

[@driley4381]

Just for reference for anyone interested....That $55,000 annually in 1991 is equivalent to just over $100,000 annually today.

[@AELeeify]

@@michaeldalton8374 Probably not because greed didn't push cost to the level we experience today. Grandma's house use to be $5,000 in 1960, a really expensive house was $40,000 today that same rundown house without renovation is north of $350,000.This is absolutely ridiculous especially seeing the incomes are approximately the same.

[@muliefriend4785]

Everything runs in cycles…this is how unions came about. People are tired of being used as slaves.

[@michaelkulman7095]

They are tired of being worked like mules!

[@b.valentine5283]

The privileged have been smugly taunting struggling people with "Well why don't you quit? Or learn to live with less?" Now people have realized that they'd rather prioritize their home and family life and learn to live without, and now corporations are going to see that they aren't making anywhere near the money they used to. The rich need to learn that they need the working class, not the other way around!

[@monacoofthebluepacific2571]

@@b.valentine5283 Or, "try something new" 😐 (Said Ivanka in the WH)

[@muliefriend4785]

@@b.valentine5283 media has brainwashed people into believing that they can’t live without their latest product.

[@edwardlong3904]

Mulie Friend, great point. Awful comparison.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

People are fed up with being mistreated in the workplace, horrible working conditions, being underpaid, overworked, and much more. This is a social problem - issues with child care, mental health, work-life balance, commuting, etc. Covid has given people a chance to reevaluate their lives and many have either decided "F this" and quit, or decide to do something else. I know several people who have decided to go on a new path, and they're much happier.

[@meggallucci5300]

I have noted people locked in traffic jams for hours at what is laughingly called rush HOUR. I have no idea why people put up with that every workday.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

@@meggallucci5300 Yeah tell me about it - I used to have a 4 hour commute at one point and said "enough". It wasn't worth it any more.

[@magsbayou]

@@Erik_The_Viking That's overwhelming! If you add an unpleasant work environment then you have a day of nothing but stress. Glad you had a chance to end that.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

@@magsbayou Yeah I was tired of dealing with a narcissist director who was a raging jerk, a crappy commute, being paid 30% below market rate, and working in a lousy working environment. When I left it felt like I was paroled.

[@lindaleesoderstrom5866]

People have no more Effs to Give.

[@HapiGutHapiLife19]

People are just tired of being tired, poor get poorer, rich get richer with no Mercy! It's all just totally Insane! Power to the people!

[@aryeh24]

really not that hard to figure out. Why work if you need to own to make money

[@CR-tz1ve]

Just dropped out of grad school seeing how these professional jobs are paying just $11-12 hr for a degree, 2 years experience, certification, etc. Meanwhile the restaurants on my street are hiring for $15-$17

[@aryeh24]

@@CR-tz1ve take it with a grain of salt. As with every education the most important question is: Will this be needed in 3-5-7 years and how does it set me up for life? Current pay alone is a bad indicator

[@Re3iRtH]

You fail to realize that the rich got that way because of traits like physical and mental superiority, perseverance, delayed gratification, and better habits. There's a reason why people are poor, and it's largely the day-to-day choices they make.

[@michaelrowe8115]

Where I'm from all the rich we're born into being wealthy and don't do anything. Rich people are worthless.

[@nicolascagescameltoe9627]

Imagine being so chained by corporations that it has created a mentality that people wanting a work/life balance and acceptable working conditions, is considered being lazy and wanting to much?

[@meghanreeves3866]

I’m a college professor and I constantly have to put boundaries in place between myself and my school and students…it’s so hard!

[@blktauna]

Exactly this

[@worldcitizeng6507]

A LA company clearly wants my expertise to work for them but only offers hourly rate, specify that the 30min lunch is unpaid and only get public holiday paid after 1 year of service. I don't think I wish to invest any time on this company. 😕 Such companies are the one which will say "people don't want to work anymore " How about attracting employees with better benefits? 🤔

[@WorldWalker128]

This isn't new. Watch the old movie The Newsies. It's a musical live-action story about kids and teens close to a hundred years ago selling newspapers for barely anything, and then finally they get tired of being treated like they're worth basically nothing and easily replaced (which, it was easy to replace them). Their employer, if I recall correctly (it's been almost 2 decades since the last time I saw it) raised the price of the newspapers that the 'employees' bought to sell to people and they were infuriated because they were already struggling to feed and clothe themselves. There was another strike going on somewhere else either in the city or in the state and they were inspired to do the same. At first they were largely ignored, but then they reached out to other kids and teens in other jobs and convinced them to go on strike, too. Now EVERY company and business in their city was going to be losing money and it was all on the guy running that one company. Businesses will ever-so-happily let you literally work yourself to death all the while paying you as little as possible and making every effort to not hear your objections or requests for help.

[@caesarq7513]

People are burnt out from modern life in general. Between work, family, debt, caregiving, taking care of the house, maybe school, the kids stuff. It just feels like it never ends and people never have time to focus on themselves

[@selenasimmons6653]

Or anything else (successfully)

[@juliovillagran4105]

It doesn't really enthuse you to start a family if your life is going to be drudgery 7 days a week.

[@Kuttie03]

Well said

[@jennifer8929]

Absolutely agree!

[@mikloridden8276]

And lack of money to get the things they love like a house

[@akc1739]

I'm a burned out teacher in the U.S. I switched grade levels, subject areas, school districts, went from regular ed to special ed, thinking it was me. Had to take breaks every few years to cope with the stress, but I kept going back. With Covid, I finally had to throw in the towel. The demands of the job are just insane now, and a "jeans day" on Fridays doesn't make a dent. Staying would have run me into the ground.

[@linguaphile42]

I'm in the exact same position now with teaching after 28 years, and feel like I don't have a choice about leaving anymore if I want to hold onto my mental health. This report gave a wonderful description of the burn-out I've been experiencing for years, but that has really come to a head during Covid. Here's to new beginnings and a simpler life. Best of luck to you :-).

[@akc1739]

@@linguaphile42 Very kind of you. Take care of yourself in any way you need!

[@acevirginian2203]

It is the same in all professions ... more or less. Leads to apathy and that is really at the core of our downfall.

[@phriedokra6158]

Admin certificate...???

[@phriedokra6158]

I burned out in 2007 with the first recession and left nursing for massage...was doing both part time as nursing pays better for an LPN...pandemic had me not even renewing my nursing license...after 40 years I WALKED AWAY WITH NO RETIREMENT ....what an effing waste as people will not even MASK to save the FORKING country....

[@beautifulbull]

This generation has NOT "gone soft." If you look at the divorce rates, domestic violence rates, suicide rates, drug use/addiction rates, & percentage of people in debt, this has been going for years. Everyone has been stressed out & burned out for quite some time; the pandemic has simply lifted the veil on the pretty serious underlying issues that have ALWAYS been there. The reason for the insults thrown at the younger generations: 1) the people currently in power are nervous that their status in power is shifting & their power paradigm is being challenged, & 2) the older generations are agitated that the younger generations have the spine to stand up & challenge these outdated paradigms, that worked OK for a while but weren't great, & the integrity to not cover it up with passive aggressiveness & fake smiles, as has been done for decades. Welcome to the new age... LEAN. IN. 💪👊

[@chibiromano5631]

The older generation does not want new money to challenge their grandkids. They attend seminars on how to preserve welath for their grandchildren, they have town hall meeting on how to sunt town growth. We are living in a neo feudal state, this isn't capitalism and a free market at all.. a glorified subsidied state where the Scalpers hoard land and supplies for themselves and their family...leaving us all 99% without nothing.

[@yoso5934]

I like the way the youth of today 🤔 I always knew this was the way but people thought I was crazy

[@nursegaines3519]

Amen

[@ashleyyavonne]

Awesome breakdown!!!

[@SuperBrianMak]

Thank you for this. You don't even need to write a book about this. Billion dollar companies need to pay workers their worth.

[@KevZen2000]

When your salary doesn't meet the cost of living, then you don't have much interest working the job.

[@regional1000]

There are other reasons why you wouldn't have much interest in working the job. For example, constant negative feedback, which can cause demotivation for the employee. The job is too difficult and therefore the employee doesn't feel like the effort they put in is appreciated. Overwork, causing the employee to burnout completely. Mental health/disability. And there is probably a ton of other things that could be the reason. But yes, one of them is also pay. If the pay sucks and the job is raucously difficult, then that can cause the employee to be unmotivated to continue. Another thing to mention is employee frustration. Employees want to feel appreciated and continue to learn, but when those things don't happen, and learning is hap hazard, then the employee will become frustrated, especially if they have a different learning style.

[@brianlipka167]

My Mom was a nurse from 1970 to 2004. She wanted to retire from the State of Massachusetts with full pension. She did. After 30 years of nigh shift she was so burned out , she ended up with dementia and passed away without ever enjoying her golden years. That was a wake up call to me!

[@juliovillagran4105]

That's a sad story. My mum also has late stage dementia. When I visit her and see all the old folks just waiting to die, I always wonder why people work so much.

[@Genuinely10]

Sorry for your loss Brian

[@Davey1022]

30 years of night shift !!! That should not have been allowed in the first place . I am so sorry this happened to you . I worked for 2 years in night shift and I at time feel doing things for compensating for those two years.

[@brendanaderifar2462]

Well your smart to herd those warnings. Stick with it and it's no one's imagination that this can happen. The work place shows little sympathy for work place stress and eventual burn out.

[@brendanaderifar2462]

We work hard so that politicians can live in High Cotton.from confused in Dixie.

[@Chulitatr]

People are fed up with working for SLAVE WAGES, overwork, and zero benefits; all while corporations make billions in money.

[@SunnyIlha]

ABSOLUTELY

[@jovaneevee]

So true

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

When you are a hourly worker and do 40+ hours with co workers who cant show up, constantly call off, only certain staff work OT 💲. Then the work, QC suffers. You can not work long term in a bad place. It will cause health issues, stress. $ is not worth it.

[@ChrisW228]

Here’s the problem, though... forcing corporations to pay more only means they increase prices, because lord knows CEOs aren’t going to cut profits. So then everything becomes more expensive and people are making more money but can still only afford the same lifestyle. Then what?

[@dealhunter4536]

GET BACK TO WORK YOU LAZY BUMS!

[@JanelleSpeaks]

Its not just about work...its about life. Family; mental, physical and spiritual health. We weren't born to live like robots

[@CR-tz1ve]

I’ve lived in Europe and America and one big thing I noticed between the two is how much Europe places importance on spending time with family. It also blew their mind when I explained how we have limited sick days

[@nwatson2773]

Exactly

[@rocker76m88]

My relatives in Spain truly enjoy their lives unlike me living in the USA. They have a work/life balance that contributes to actually "living". Working to live not living to work

[@willzsportscards]

Capitalism is soulless. This is the end result of unfettered capitalism.

[@ipainthouses9591]

@@CR-tz1ve The Europeans don't have to put up with this deep rooted wealth gospel foisted on the public by the puritans and all their hyper- productive spawn. Americans have always been viewed as money grubbers by Europeans.

[@bettysmith4527]

This is not a generational thing, this is a corporate greed thing! Over the last decade to decade and a half they have been expecting a single person to do the work of two people, and if you can do the work of two people, why not try you doing the work of three people.... etc.

[@HoneeyBee3]

Yep...and then the ones who are actually good at their job or try to take pride in their work and mind their business...they are expected to carry the weight of the ones who intentionally slack off. It makes no sense to me how they will ride one good worker and rotate a bunch of other workers, or not hold them to the same standard as that one good worker. Then when the one good worker stays long enough to make decent money or has enough tenure & experience to move up, they practically push them out the door cuz they'll make too much...if that employee doesnt quit or move on first. Smh

[@ShelleyHannaArt]

Spot on!

[@ShelleyHannaArt]

@@HoneeyBee3 Truth

[@Stompinwind]

Let's see the data for the workload of the people quitting their job, in my industry I have been labeled as one of the top 10 people in my company of 1500 employees 4 years running and watching the lazy people burnout and quit I would say yes I am burnt out but due to it I take it into my own hands and tell my corporate office I will do what I want and fire me if you have a problem... why because i am a commodity and can not be easily replaced

[@NotSoNormal1987]

I left the work force shortly before having my first child. But when I started my job, there was a total of 4 people hired to work my section. When I quit I was the only person working my section. And a month after, there were 3 people working my section. I'm all about doing a good job. But if I'm doing the work of 3-4 people, the least I can have is access to basic health care.

[@mikeconley9590]

Pay up or go broke. A living wage for all is long overdue.

[@mikeconley9590]

@Brian Goldby you are a walking bumper sticker. All you have is slogans . It's about as much as right wingers can read at one time , and it shows.

[@johnhorter1859]

What really happens is "pay up or go get government subsidies."

[@kalabangle6450]

Tax reforms now. How those who make the least are being taxed the most is the reality. Every reason they give to continue this is outrageous. We actually can change this and the powers that be and hace been know this. Corruption is real this economic issue is real and tax for the rich is completely destroying this society. How can they talk with a straight face. Greed, racism are we really surprised? does Bezos really need another billion!

[@Amick44]

Amen. If u can't afford to pay a decent wage, get out of business and get a job/occupation like the rest of us.

[@SunnyIlha]

Completely Totally.

[@shealorena]

We’re tired. The priorities are wrong. Living to work is no way to live. We knew this before the pandemic and now we get it more. I want to spend time with the people I love. I - like many - work day, night and weekend. When do I get to be with my family when I’m not stressed?

[@tamlynn786]

So true! I spend the bulk of my day 8:30-7 at work. I have a couple hours at night to engage with my kids while I prepare dinner and preparing for the next school/work day. I have 2 days off to clean and do house work and prepare for the coming work week. Its a never ending cycle. Like many others, my life revolves around my job… It’s depressing.

[@sherylF5610]

@@tamlynn786 💜

[@mikewhite4560]

@@JayAr709 Not everyone is in the LOVE YOU Boat....

[@mikewhite4560]

@Taqeem Hilton TOUCHE...

[@ianmaricheau]

9o

[@AdmiralBison]

FORGET THE WHOLE - left vs right, Democrats vs Republicans and red vs blue. The truth is, it’s always been - top vs bottom, workers vs owners, the 1% vs you (us)

[@cortniadams]

You should have wayyyyyyyyyyy more likes seriously.

[@johnayers2483]

Agreed. Class consciousness is seriously lacking in this country (thanks corporate media). But maybe people are waking up

[@TiffyVella1]

I think this truth has been deliberately hidden in the US, and also in my country (Aus). There are media networks (bet you can name them!) dedicated to inventing a "culture war" between black and white, left and right, Muslim and Christian, maskers and non-maskers, feminists and non-feminists, pro-choicers and anti-choicers, pro-gun-laws and anti-gun-laws, millennials and boomers, pro-immigration and pro-border-control, vaxers and anti-vaxers...this list goes on and on, and includes almost every way you can divide a community into opposing and emotive groups. Many of these issues are worth discussing of course, but this list is constantly used to stir up hatred and divert from the real issues between rich and poor, the controllers and the controlled.

[@TiffyVella1]

@@johnayers2483 (tongue half in cheek here) Maybe CCT (critical class theory) should be a thing in several countries. Much of world history is a lesson in it, already though. It shows what happens when the balance is finally tipped and people have been pushed just that weeeeny bit too far.

[@mariagordanier3404]

Yup. But the right represents the rich.

[@drbassface]

People had been willing to work, because work used to provide for a home, car, healthcare, food, and savings/vacation. NOW, even two incomes don’t provide for what your grandparents used to have with one wage earner. Hopeless is the word for now. Hopeless. Why bother?

[@WorldWalker128]

Exactly. The only reason I'm able to even tread water is because my parents are wonderful people and still let me live with them. I do pay them rent, but it's WAY less than what I'd pay in an apartment.

[@calmblueocean1177]

My employer keeps piling on the work and proclaims, “job security!” I keep proclaiming “I need help, no time to take on the extra tasks.” Employer says, “we all should do our part, to work off the sides of our desks to get extra projects done.” I say, “pay me more for more work, or hire others to help.” Then the ultimate, I hear “No money in the budget for pay hikes or more hires.” That’s what causes burn-out, employers, “no money in the budget” stance. Let’s get real. You hear that enough, you feel taken advantage of, you feel burnt out. When burnt out people quit, then others left behind are told to pick up the slack. A vicious cycle that poor management doesn’t handle well. Employers delay advertising for new hires, to see how they can restructure to see if they can work their people more for less. Burn out.

[@Starfish2145]

And meanwhile pay their CEO’s bonuses!

[@acevirginian2203]

This is why mean mean people get promoted.

[@phriedokra6158]

Preaching to the choir hon...I'm 60 and except for some years on disability because of health I've bern working since I was 16...McDonalds, then Low paid nurse for 40 years...talk about burn out...I do MASSAGE THERAPY now and even that FEELS TOO much with PTSD from being sexually molested as a kid and having a known molestor elevated to the highest office in the land almost 5 bv years ago.

[@oliviaturner7388]

On point!

[@lyndamedley4789]

Absolutely right. Over work is bad for humans health. We need balance. CEOs paid way more than in past but little goes to workers. Workers burned out they value living specially now that we have pandemic. Rich corporations pay little to no taxes. Profits are great for most....greed is ruining or balance of labor and priviledge. Thanks for courage of people to stand up to this phoenomina. Though I've retired I have experienced this burnout In health care and now fellow nurses have dealt with Covid pandemic on top of it all. My hope is all get vaccines. Pray for wisdom. And stand up for your rights in ways that make the need clear. If it takes not working to get thru to businesses so be it. Praying for you all

[@davidw6936]

If you think of jobs as what they really are - wage slavery - then it stops being a mystery why people are quitting.

[@nwatson2773]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@yoso5934]

🎯 🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯

[@durchlaucht7050]

Employees are tired of working themselves to death for company executives to take EVERYTHING!!!!!!!

[@catherineromero1862]

What we’re discovering is that many jobs, unless direct face to face customer contact is necessary, don’t require us to show up to an office and play stupid games 40 hours a week. This hourly wage thing has to go. If I’m required to work 40 hours a week in order for you to pay me $x a month to accomplish a certain thing for your company, then it shouldn’t matter how many hours it takes me. Either you agree having it done is worth that $x or not. Just pay me a monthly salary to get it done and leave me alone about how many hours it takes me. If I can accomplish what your business needs by working 6 hours a day or 28 hours a month, then what should the employer care so long as business is thriving? It’s about power and control, that’s why

[@krystelhardesty9960]

You think a monthly salary will help it wont they will just make you work more, my husband is salary and makes good money but he works more than 40 hours a week. If you are getting your tasks done in 28 hours a week instead of 40 you will just get more work, if you slow down you will be talked to about it. Hourly is better because if you want to get paid more you can work more with a salary not so much.

[@catherineromero1862]

@@krystelhardesty9960 that misses my point, by simply justifying the 40 hour fake work ethic work week. If you pay me X for a certain job and want to add something then yeah, you pay me extra to get that done as well. It doesn’t mean I should have to be in your office where you can micro manage my bathroom visits and how long it took me to return a phone call or acknowledge your emails designed to check in whether I’m “on”. Which also brings to mind how employees have you acknowledge, at the outset, your job “duties” to include “and anything else we decide to assign to you” No; that part should be negotiable. Just like if you hired me to remodel your kitchen, accept my quote, then 2 weeks in want to make a change that increases my costs. You don’t get those assigns for the same price, I’ll have to charge you more. See how that works? It’s an exchange, not one of chattels

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

@@krystelhardesty9960 I'm a rare example of someone who benefits tremendously from a monthly pay rate. My company pays me 39 hours/week. I work on my own schedule. Most months I work less than 25 hours/week. Some months I work over 50 hours and get overtime. I have a technical field job where I'm always on the move. The tasks I do only take 1~3 hours to do. My boss doesn't care where I am or what I do specifically, he just wants me to accomplish the tasks.

[@jemmah4723]

That’s such an interesting point!

[@tammystockley-loughlin7680]

I would bet the folks who made the change realized that they don't get paid enough to be miserable...good for all of you!!! I hope you find your niche!! Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during this pandemic and social crisis

[@dwaynesinclair2155]

Well said.

[@tammystockley-loughlin7680]

@@dwaynesinclair2155 I changed jobs about 10years ago...left commission sales at Sears( I saw that they were putting shareholders above customers and employees)to work in a grocery store (everyone eats...job security). I enjoy the folks I work with and I get to flirt with babies a couple times a week.

[@nightoftheworld]

The bigger problem I think is that we need to take back economics from corporate capture and bar the failed ideology of trickle-down/socialism for the rich-the wealthy don’t spend they hoard and that harms society. The RAND inequality report from 2019 said it the loudest yet: from 1975 to 2018 incomes have not kept up with economic growth, $50,000,000,000,000 has been siphoned off of the productivity gains made by the working class to inflate the bank accounts of the owner class. Unions are at 10% power yet corporations own congress.. how possibly is that representatively informed democracy? We have been living in a corporate oligarchy for almost half a century now and are just beginning to see the problems clearly.

[@ShaneSteadycam]

@@tammystockley-loughlin7680 cute comment aha good for you. Quality of life is everything.

[@Phamyunx]

The grass is not necessarily greener in other places

[@stuartsoll3254]

We need another massive labor movement

[@jelef001]

why isn't that part of the conversation???? #unionize #nomoreunionbans

[@parkyayak]

Reddit r/antiwork I was skeptical because it's Reddit, but it's worth checking out.

[@tamlynn786]

I would have agreed with you if not for the fact that I was a long time union member with my last company that had a union (CWA) and they were a complete joke! They were in cahoots with the company and looked out for the company’s interest first rather than their members!

[@lyndamedley4789]

Its coming for sure..

[@jamesloehr641]

Yes we do and all of these media news responses don't mention wages, benefits and worker treatment. They make up hoards of other bullshit excuses.

[@Montesama314]

The current generation isn't "weak," they're just more aware of the bullshit their ancestors were expected to endure. This is a world where your parents could buy a house at your income but you can't. You're SUPPOSED to think of yourself as replacable, and not ask about things like insurance or pension. That's the kind of thing people in my generation see and go, "well, what's the point?" I've heard the phrase "work smarter, not harder," but working to basically make rent is working dumb to me. I want to OWN things, and have time to enjoy them.

[@JeffCaplan313]

"You'll own nothing and you'll love it!" "She's not yours, it's just your turn!"

[@raze956]

@@JeffCaplan313 "She's not yours, it's just your turn!" people are never yours. you do not own them, not even in marriage. so that statement is correct. also, "its just your turn" can be a very long turn, sometimes even a lifetime. but if you think like owning people, then yeah, good luck finding happiness.

[@JeffCaplan313]

@Blow Ranger Mark 10:8 I believe in the biblical/biological definition of marriage and not the secular one. When two people have sex in a bonded union, it's the most intimate form of bodily exchange that can be accomplished, outside of producing an actual child which is literally the "flesh of my flesh". I realize we don't even own our own bodies...dust to dust and all that. We can't take anything with us, other than what spirit we produce for ourselves.

[@JeffCaplan313]

@@raze956 And the point of my comment was to indicate that an attack on ownership is a direct attack on the formation of nuclear families which led to the stability we currently enjoy known as "civilization". Back to tribes/tribal conflicts we shall now go.

[@jaimekaimero2912]

In answer to the corporate / political motto, ' raising wages will force businesses to close'. MacDonalds workers in the Netherlands make $ 25.00 U.S. an hour, get paid maternity leave,

[@williambudd2850]

Any company can paty a lising wage. They simply refuse to do so out of greed.

[@maryannargiro779]

I spent time & have friends in the Netherlands. They pay higher taxes, but so much is included in that in terms of social & economic support, insurance & healthcare it evens out. You wind up with the same disposable income.They take care of their workers and respect them. Small but significant example. Each worker has to be ergonomically fitted to their to desk so as not to cause pain and spinal degeneration. Employers are fined for non compliance. Workers were included in meetings that proposed changes and opinions were encouraged and taken seriously. This was a while ago, things may have changed, but you get the picture. It was depressing returning to the states.

[@jenniferrose4216]

I'm so tired. All the time. Its not physical though. I'm 46 and have been living living paycheck to paycheck my entire life. I can't get ahead, everything I do is just barely surviving. I have to choose to maintain my car, or go get my chest pain checked out, or chiropractic adjustments to keep my headaches at bay. Well, car first, because if I can't get to work, the house of cards crumbles. So very fucking tired.

[@s.a.2317]

Know the feeling..I pay a lot in taxes too. I don't know what I get out of it, but people have more and more ideas of what else the government can spend money on. Hmmmmm

[@jenniferrose4216]

@@s.a.2317 I don't mind paying taxes., but I dont like not being able to survive. If my taxes went to free childcare, free college, free Healthcare, that would cut my costs down 800/month (and I don't have kids). At least I'd feel like something is happening. It's Healthcare premiums for 300/month. Student loans at 200/month, and past medical debt for another 200/month. I'm going this morning to interview for a 3rd job, just to make ends meet. When will this end?

[@benjaminblevins1882]

@@s.a.2317 you get a great empire and a gilded Wall Street living off public sphere

[@Gamerdade78]

Sorry to hear that. My employer just made my team responsible for more work in the interest of the company. Of course no pay increase. I have kids that need me at home but the company now says I have to travel all over the USA. Before it was regional and a lot of day trips. Company does not care about your life or family. I’m actually looking to work at a warehouse for Amazon if it gets bad.

[@irritatingindiana886]

I wish your post was on the front page of every newspaper. I am there to.

[@magsbayou]

I have not finished watching the video. As an American who has lived and worked in both Germany and Sweden, the core things I appreciated were: 1) reciprocal respect; 2) being treated like an adult and a valued stakeholder; 3) work life balance; 4) benefit packages that included pension and wellness care and 5) flat organizational styles. In the US, I experienced work environments where people managed, they didn't lead. This included treating people as if they didn't have important obligations outside of work and making one justify the need to take a sick day or time off. I also experienced layoffs after the company profited, just not at the dollar amount they wanted. They always make one feel if they didn't overwork, they risk losing their job and when they did, often with no or very little safety net. As a non-White person and/or woman, dealing the misogyny and macro/micro aggressions was common place. The experience left me not wanting to ever work for an American company again and will not as long as there are other options.

[@lisaahmari7199]

Great comment!❤

[@chancerobinson5112]

Lucky you! Your experience also highlights how the Oligarchy in the United States controls the narrative, claiming it is not possible for workers to have your experience. Simply out of the question.

[@GeckoHiker]

Once you examine what you truly need to survive and embrace it, only then can you thrive. Minimalism freed me from work. I swear, I'd live in a tent in the woods before ever working for all the someone elses again. It is not my purpose to be a serf to corporate investors. The capitalist ponzi scheme is over. Picture a life with no debt, no mortgage, no rent, less than 20 articles of clothing, diy cleaning supplies and toiletries, and a year-round garden. I can't even come up with a list of five items that we "need". No more grocery store trips unless they are giving away a loss leader. Nails & hair? That's all diy. Vehicle maintenance is diy. Home improvement...diy. Then there's barter and trade. Refuse, reduce, repurpose, rethink! Over the years I've gotten a little more than a few articles of clothing, but without the stress of running a treadmill to do it. Even our business isn't stressful because there is no debt to service and no supply line problems.

[@djdollase]

Amen. My wife is from Scandinavia and I know how much more they get as part of the work force. The higher taxes pay for the social services

[@neiltropolis]

@@lisaahmari7199 Please take me with you. Lol

[@Diomedes01]

As someone who works in tech, I can tell you that one of the largest factors driving resignations in this sector is companies being stubborn about not allowing workers to continue to work from home. If it is one thing the pandemic taught us is that many individuals are just as productive working from home as they are in an office. Often times, more so. As a result, many of these people who have now gotten comfortable working from home are reluctant to go back to office work. The companies that are being smart and getting ahead of this are now snapping up these workers in droves as other companies with old school ways of thinking are left wondering what is going on. Face it: we are in the midst of a paradigm shift right now and it is primarily being driven by individuals who want the comfort of working from home. Companies can either start being receptive to this, or they can stay in denial and watch their top talent head for the exits.

[@regional1000]

l wouldn't agree with the statement that working from home is as productive as in the workplace. The reason that many people are burned out is because of the shift to home as a workplace. The work never ends and is more prone to distraction than increasing productivity. This is especially true for IT, but also people have different circumstances. What if that person has a mental disability? They would suffer more at home than in the office. Some people do work better at home, but not everyone.

[@zaxiom99]

This is such an important conversation that’s about 10 years too late, but at least it’s happening now. I remember companies that actually cared about their employee’s well being. They recognized the need for fair pay, training, time off and meaningful conversations about long term benefit. In return employees were loyal, extremely productive and proudly advocated for their company. In one case where times were tough and hiring/wage freezes necessary, the entire C-suite took a pay cut in support. The CEO took only $1 as a salary for the year. A few years later I watched a good company switch to the “corporate” view. Employees became expendable. Profit above everything else. Obvious greed at executive levels was ignored until it was too late. The “are we the bad guys” moment passed as they embraced “yeah, we’re evil, but who cares”. I got out. Now lots of others are having the same realization.

[@bethmoore7722]

“Employers who can afford it”? They can easily afford it. They do not need those ridiculous, obscene profits. Shareholders are the black hole that sucks in the profits from our labors, and makes the value of our work disappear from our lives. CEOs are not worth even a fraction of their bloated salaries. These people, shareholders and corporate executives, add little to no value to society, while reducing human beings to exploitable resources. We saw, during the pandemic, that our lives are worth nothing to those who benefit from this economy. They even wanted to force people to work during a dangerous pandemic, and even sought pre-emptive relief from lawsuits over the deadly conditions in which they worked. One reason employers can’t find workers is because they’ve killed off a significant number of them. Moral bankruptcy may no longer be profitable.

[@Chulitatr]

RIGHT ON, and well said.

[@noble7461]

This. And the researcher in the video ignores this glaring point, likely because she has a corporate consultant gig where she needs to tell rich degenerates what they want to hear.

[@updateapril]

THIS SHOULD BE THE NARRATIVE!!!

[@khaleesiy.7886]

Thank you they can definitely afford it.

[@iBike2Live]

Damn straight. Well said…

[@WestCoastUSA546]

The pandemic only finally brought up the immense problem to the surface, and that is the exploitation of the workers by employers, who take take take, expect expect expect, demand, demand demand, push push push, squeeze every bloody dollar from the workers - while throwing them a dog bone in return. The pandemic forced people to finally stop and actually reflect on the quality of life they have: and that is being exploited and worked to death to make billions upon billions for a few rich boys to buy more mansions, yachts, jets, fly rockets in space....etc, while the workers who actually do the work get a below poverty wage they can't live on, forced to sleep in their vehicles in parking lots or streets because they can't afford housing, forced to depend on SNAP handouts to survive - all WHILE WORKING, have their bodies broken from inhumane hard labour, and their souls crushed.... I hope this great j.o.b exodus will gain strength and will continue

[@phriedokra6158]

Very well stated....I'm ashamed to think this is the best we can do...we are not the greatest..at anything but fleecing each other for a dime it seems. I.owe the IRS 9k for 1099 and make 22k a year..never had kids so never a huge return and now at 60 have to hustle to pay it OFF while BEDBUGZ whacks off in space 10 minutes and pays zero taxes...I need teeth...I have one left on top....THIS country is the shite hole ya'll

[@sherylF5610]

@@phriedokra6158 something can't be right with this figure that you have been told is your tax to pay. Just off the top of my head this looks like 40% of your income! How can that be? Edit to add: I see now that you had a 1099. This still seems really high.

[@whygohome172]

You're spot on!

[@juliebraden4865]

@@phriedokra6158 Same! I haven't earned more than $20k per year for more than a decade, yet I owe "I efn R S" $900??? While corporate welfare & million/billionaires pay nothing?? BITE me! What will they do? Take away my 2001 Mitsubishi & my zero bank account?? 😡

[@Amick44]

It will, it us. We will see what changes may come.

[@jcassidy938]

Toxic co-workers, incompetent management, unappreciated, no raises, favoritism, etc, etc, etc.

[@markwhittaker6866]

PREACH! You hit the nail bang on the head.

[@RobertWGreaves]

I quit the highest paying job I ever had way back in 1987. It was simply meaningless. I was a data processing manager for an investment company. I ended up being a musician, and an adjunct professor. I worked part time and walked away from the concept of a 40 hour week. Did I suffer economically? Yeah big time. But no regrets.

[@ariesarcie]

😊😊😊😊

[@TRE45ON.is.Bat5hit.Crazy.U.S.G]

When you invest in the people who do the work for your company, the profits will increase because they will be out there spending more money. The fact many companies fail to understand this dynamic is utterly mind-boggling. The only wages I see increasing are those at the top, often way beyond the cost of living, while those doing the lion's share of the work face stagnating wage increases, and yet those people are the ones who support the purchase of the products and services offered. It is just pure greed, ignorance, and ultimately foolishness that is leading us down a dark road. Balance is the key and unfortunately, we are way out of balance!

[@Chulitatr]

RIGHT ON.

[@johnhorter1859]

I hope it eventually comes to this: Companies that don't pay a decent wage will lose their employees and go insovent and go out of business. Those that pay a decent wage will keep the employees they need who do the required work and will survive. Company execs love their capitalist system of things when it brings them big bonuses, but should understand that sometimes capitalism works the other way around as well.

[@mjinba07]

Research shows that a company's profit margin is deeply dependent on employees "going the extra mile," while a disgruntled workforce is more likely to shirk, steal, undermine, and loaf. And high turnover forces the company to retrain and retrain, and lose valuable experience in their workforce. What mistreatment of employees does do, is provide both stress relieve for mid-management and a handy excuse for underperformance. It's all the workers' faults, you know.

[@Chulitatr]

@@mjinba07 Bullshit, companies are closing because they are fed up with working for SLAVE WAGES. And it serves them right to have to close down. HAHAHA F U A HOLE!

[@mjinba07]

@@Chulitatr 🎶Troll troll, baby.

[@pollyblackburn28]

I think people collectively know we are at the end of abundant resources. They know that everything is rigged and that nothing they do to get ahead will really make that much of a difference in their lives.

[@chrism8180]

Bingo

[@royharper2003]

it is really scary that you and others believe that. Did you expect success to be handed to you on a silver platter?

[@chickentender4037]

It's not just the work, it's abusive and incompetent supervisors.

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

when I first started working, managers were responsible for creating teamwork and camaraderie in the workplace. mentoring and appreciation. these days managers sit in meetings all day read reports and try to squeeze more work out of fewer hours. they are miserable and work is drudgery.

[@nwatson2773]

Exactly!! Supervisors are abusive AF!

[@chickentender4037]

@@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh Had a manager that sat and watched everyone, not just his subordinates, walk past his office. Any work he was assigned was passed down to us, we gave him the answers and he made it look like he answered. Four of us eventually walked out and just never returned, essentially abandoning our jobs. He was finally pushed out because he was assigned tasks he could off load. Meanwhile one of his favorite underlings, who bought him lunches and gifts, accumulated over 1,000 employee files that she never worked on because she couldn't do the work. She was the $95,000/year coffee fetcher for supervisors, and got raises. Another decided to unilaterally change processes daily without warning, explanations or discussions, and he was fine with it. They had a major thing going on. Major University system.

[@RosemarieFit]

I’m on mental health medical leave right now. After 18 months of working 55-60 hours a week for an extremely inept boss (hired 6 months after me) has turned me into a shell of a human. My BP was so high my doctor told me I was at risk of a stroke. Burnout is absolutely real. Companies do the engagement surveys and then do nothing with the feedback. Discussions of work life balance are lip service. The managers don’t respect when you try to set boundaries and continue to ping you after hours. My team started with 9 people in 2021, and in the last 6 months, 7 of them have left. Once I leave for a better environment, I will be number 8. This will continue to escalate until companies do something about it.

[@billjones3868]

We had some kind of survey at our plantation recently; I says to the manager "thy're asking the WRONG questions." Death to capitalism.

[@johnmcnamara8741]

Hope it bets better for a different place.

[@katherinepoltoratzky6068]

What do you do for work? did you leave btw?

[@royharper2003]

so, you are getting paid while not working?? Companies are under no obligation to provide a work life balance or make sure that you are a happy camper. if you don't like your job, quit and move on and stop complaining. Better yet, go live in Cuba where people kill each other for a piece of chicken or air conditioning.

[@cynthialester8348]

I am a retired RN in California (where hospitals do have ratios), and burn out in nursing has been happening for a LONG time. Unsustainable workloads are the reason in nursing. And in many parts of the country low wages contribute. But for me, it was definitely being incredibly overworked every single shift. Inhumane and unhealthy.

[@acevirginian2203]

Nurses have long been abused. By employers and by family by being encouraged to work extra hours to make extra much needed money.

[@dougn2350]

40 years ago nursing (RN) was good profession and it paid well. I worked in patient care for a few years after high school back in the late 70s. But I decided to go into IT/Programming instead. It's been a good career but even that is getting bogged down by corporate greed. I'm glad I only have 3 more years to retirement. Best of luck to you!

[@harriettannediger8772]

@@acevirginian2203 Your right! First they dangled 12 hr shifts as a way to make extra overtime pay. Then they took the extra pay away. But it was still dangled as voluntary. Then boom , no more VOLUNTARY , no more EXTRA PAY. Just more work, no family time. In fact children at home alone unsupervised . What happened to the 8 hr shifts that our parents fought for in the 30s'. GONE. The first week I worked 12 hr shifts my big toe nails turned blue and fell off. I lasted 10 yrs after that until my back and knees went. This isn't work, Its more like slavery.

[@thomasandrewmcgonigal5150]

Yes I quit as a nurse,I had paid off my mortgage and have savings,working as a nurse aide,almost no stress,blood pressure down and look 5 years younger.

[@lyndaweister9984]

SORRY 😥!! We Appreciate What U Do! I just watched a program about burnout 4 "Staff Nurses" vs "Traveling Nurses"(who make more 💰Money🤔🥲👎Very Interesting&Informative!! And the Covid Pandemic has Increased their Burnout Rate!😥🤔👎🙏❣

[@jillmanning8989]

It didn't help that Billionaires went to trillionaires during the Pandemic. Workers want 4 day work weeks, Healthcare, mental Healthcare, and a great living wages...we want to live n love n have nice home too. Life is more than just working.

[@slappysenpai9999]

There's an old saying, "Don't worry if the horse is blind just get on the wagon". Millennials be like nah...not getting on that wagon anymore.

[@elliottpaine9259]

Can you explain the phrase ?

[@GalaxyUnravel]

@@elliottpaine9259 Oakland Raiders football coach John Madden inspired his team just before the 1977 Super Bowl with: “Don’t worry about the horse being blind, just load the wagon.” Madden meant to say that each player should do his job, and shouldn’t worry about others doing their jobs. Madden later said that he had no idea how he got that saying, and that it really made no sense. The saying is infrequently used in sports and in business.

[@ChrisW228]

And they’re all complaining that they can’t move out of their parents’ homes... so what’s really being accomplished?

[@evilhomer250]

I was the happiest I've ever been during the pandemic lockdown because I had the time to finally persue my passions. I studied language, history, drew for the first time in years, and even played around with 3D animation software. I felt like I was enjoying my life. I studied hard, every day learning Japanese and felt fulfilled. Anxiety and depression just weren't ab issue. Now, I haven't studied or done anything in months. All I can get to study history are audiobooks I listen to at work. I'm depressed and anxious again.

[@amandam480]

im sorry to here that your anxiety and depression are back again. Is there anyway you can cut your hours at work? ARe you seeing a therapist at all? Would your workplace pay for therapy, if this is what y ou want? How about support groups, where you could find people in the same situation as yourself. You can find some through facebook or even meetup. If its your job, do you feel up to changing it? I dislike my job too but I am looking to retrain. Depression and anxiety are hard to cope with. Hope things get better for you soon.

[@Starfish2145]

Lack of childcare, low pay and assholish management is also a factor! That’s why I work for myself.

[@tammyg8031]

Good for you!!!!

[@happycook6737]

Lol my job has the manager style you described..🤦

[@veronicaapolinar1059]

You nail it , they pay a misery and if you ask to use a couple of days of PTO the managers and HR ladies look at you rolling their eyes like you were asking for something completely out of reach , The culture of keeping the employees situated and believing there is nothing else out there . Glad this is going viral

[@tone3560]

Having children isn't a necessity

[@gusmonster59]

@@tone3560 Not the point. You know it, so don't make stupid comments. Those who have children have issues with finding affordable childcare. And before you start spouting one parent ought to stay home with the kids, most can not longer afford to do that. A lot of once one income families have had to have a two income family.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

People are burnt out from being burnt out.

[@CarrieV9]

The workplace in the US has been out of balance for decades. It’s finally an employee’s market and this will spur positive change.

[@chrism8180]

Well it's a good thing companies stagnated wages long enough just for us to get a few extra breadcrumbs without any real change

[@cassl.a.3332]

People can say this generation is soft all they want, but it still doesn't change the fact that burnout is real. I left my decade long job in November 2020 due to personal reasons. I was burned out with everything. Being a full time mom of two boys, working 40+ hours a week, caring for my retired mother, and dealing w/ a pandemic had drained everything I had left in me. I could no longer force myself to show up to a job that I could do in 3 to 4 hours and still have to sit there for the remaining 4 to 5 just because of an 8 hour workday that is outdated. Plus, I suffered covid long haulers for 6 months that has kept me out of the workforce for longer than I expected. These last couple of years have been draining.

[@aktimm]

You did the right thing, Cass. Don't worry about the future. Keep focusing on your family, don't spend money on non-essential nonsense and let life work itself out. I'm sure I'm not the only one in your corner. You are a rational human being and a good mother & daughter. Bless you...

[@cassl.a.3332]

@Richard Johns Totally true. I have always had a "good job", payed my taxes, and stayed out of trouble, but I have never been able to buy a home on my own. I don't buy anything expensive and I live a pretty simple life. In order for me to own a home again (owned a home w/ my ex-husband), I would have to find a partner. They make it super hard to be single.

[@mikerobinson3672]

@Richard Johnsl mean no disrespect by saying this. Im an 80s child. I have bought and payed off one House and getting close to paying off a weekend Property with a regular job. I gross about 48k a year and Im 37 years old. I hear people that make substantially more than I do complain they cant afford a house. When they explain themselves It usually translates into they cant buy the house they want, not the house they can afford. I bought a house comparably to the one I grew up in, dad had a regular job making comparable wage as I do from an inflation stand point. I drive a very basic truck my parents always drove very basic vehicles as well. My parents(now both retired) keep saying im better off than they where because I have a lot more in retirement than they did at that age counting inflation plus owning my up north property. All it takes is for people to Stop buying stuff they don't need and shutting off the lights in the rooms there not occupying in there house and others easy steps. I see it everytime I go to the store, I see the zombies coming out with the latest and greatest TV or phone or, Small appliance. At night on my way home from work I see houses in my neighborhood where one or two people live have every light on in the house. Im not saying live like Ebenezer Scrooge and Im not saying there is not a problem, all im saying is its a simple problem with a simple solution.

[@WorldWalker128]

A lot of people in this generation DO have a terrible work ethic, but at the same time a TON of employers treat them employees like they're disposable. The sad thing is, they're right. There are so many people unemployed right now that if the entire 2000+ people working where I do all died at once they'd have us replaced within a few weeks at the most.

[@eottoe2001]

Job alienation. Low pay. Low benefits. No national health insurance. Poor management practices. Unsafe work places. 40 years of Milton Friedman and Reagan economics.

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

Work is a Four Letter Word ….and some jobs are worthy of multiple four letter words

[@adarateranroldan]

😂

[@missnlahi]

Lol I snorted

[@lyndaweister9984]

LOVE THIS!🤣❣

[@markwhittaker6866]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@wavargasmolina]

Finally, corporate workers realize their well-being is more relevant that their employers' yachts or large bonuses.

[@marcusjones2207]

People are exhausted and fed up with giving their all at work, and having managers that seem to think very little of them. Workplace bullying and harassment is real, and the average honest hardworking individual is tired of being demeaned and being surrounded by condescending coworkers that insult them when they ask questions about certain task.

[@na_k]

The pandemic showed (for those of us fortunate enough to telecommute) that a lot of middle managers aren't needed. Employees were just as productive if not more, without having to deal with face-to-face bullying, passive aggressive coworkers, and being given busy work; telework cut a lot of the filler. While in the office, managers could appear to be on top of it to their bosses when they actually weren't doing much, or making things worse.

[@rocker76m88]

I just quit a job that was exactly what you described

[@bkbland1626]

Employment sucks. Wages are basically theft. We're dying for capitalism.

[@davidanthony6408]

LOL, love the drama

[@mikewhite4560]

Nah, PLANTATION OWNERS..

[@grateful954]

Well said. And now we chose differently ✌️🙂

[@jpcolindesign517]

This guest was intelligent and offered reasonable and logical ideas. There is little doubt that her efforts will be received like a LEAD BALLOON by most government and corporate leaders. The baseline level of mental health is far lower than most realize, and psychopathy in corporate and government leadership is epidemic.

[@parkyayak]

I stopped watch 5 minutes in when I didn't hear some combination of the words, labor exploitation. Did she eventually get there?

[@jpcolindesign517]

@@parkyayak Indirectly, yes.

[@MetalRat518]

@@jpcolindesign517 unfortunately indirectly doesnt count.

[@dapsolita]

Right.

[@elizabethdjokovic2691]

Burnout is real. There is a limit to the amount of punishment you can take in an unforgiving workplace which demands too much from you. Your body tells you when things aren't right. Your body reacts to extreme stress that comes from many directions. Ultimately there is a price to pay in terms of mental and physical health. Stress causes many illnesses.Being confronted with your own mortality makes you realise what really matters in life. Good health is real wealth. Sometimes a leap into the unknown is the best option.

[@markwhittaker6866]

Totally agree with you.

[@regional1000]

100% agree with this. Mental health really needs to be addressed in the workplace or the companies will find themselves out of business because everyone has left.

[@WorldWalker128]

I've worked for the Amazon company for almost 7 and a half years. Lately I've been seriously considering just walking away. Showing up a day to wish the few people I liked well, and then doing nothing for a month. My only concern is can I afford to.

[@elizabethdjokovic2691]

@@WorldWalker128 Sometimes time out for a month works wonders. You get to recharge your batteries and have lots of time to explore your options. If you put aside some rainy day money, you can do it. Spend on the bare essentials. It's scary leaving a monotonous job that gives you a regular income but sometimes you have to take a risk and do the thing you're afraid to do. It can be exhilarating to be free from a job that gives you peanuts and very little joy.

[@Luminousplayer]

Employers having "no budget to raise wages" but when you start showing signs of resigning then they offer you a better rate is one of the biggest reasons for feeling played as an employee.

[@Dot-Dot-Dash]

I'm a retired Nurse. Even when I worked at jobs I loved, I would have preferred to work only 3-4 days per week. I some countries people work only a 4 day week with plenty of time off. Family and personal time is important in life. Nurses now are soo disrespected beyond all imagining. I pray we can heal our USA!

[@Cryptonymicus]

Gosh, maybe people really do want a living wage.

[@dougn2350]

And universal health care that isn't tied to an employer.

[@pamelafeeney8086]

And universal sick leave vacation time personal and family leave not tied to an employer. More movement and choice means employers need to treat employees well. Miserable people who create workplace hostility could move on to a place where they are satisfied. Universal benefits solves a lot of problems.

[@billjones3868]

Just as in the 1950s - 60s.

[@nk1974]

When billionaires pay zero fed taxes and go to space which was made possible by their employees hard work, who can’t even take a bathroom break, there is something very, very WRONG!

[@lyndaweister9984]

EXACTLY 💯%UNBELIEVABLE! Very Wrong!!👎🤔😥❣

[@philp9896]

Jeff the Bozo

[@markwhittaker6866]

AGREED!

[@stevenphelps7929]

People are just tired from 2008 housing crisis and that economical errors. Not we are dealing with the same problem, including covid19, corporations greed, and their lies to employees. I'm glad to see people taking back their lives.

[@trailguy]

Couples I know have kids and 3 jobs, so 4 jobs. No one can live happily like that, we are just trying to get by. Bravo to the woman who says we are tired of not getting a living wage while our CEOs become billionaires. It’s ridiculous.

[@amberleeannalee1999]

As a laundry aid I did the work of 3 men in one shift. I was given 7 hours to unload a truck and sort wash dry fold and pack carts for an ENTIRE nursing home. It usually took me 11-12 hours and would be yelled at about OT. I got injured throwing dirty saturated trash bags of feces covered laundry into giant bins at my shoulder level. They denied my comp claims stating no one saw me get hurt. I work alone. Giant healthcare corp that works IN facilities doing laundry housekeeping and dietary. My shoulder still is not healed well. I cried every shift so overwhelmed and no help was given. A higher up manager came in and wanted to change all schedules and give us MORE work with less help. I couldn’t do it. I worked through all Covid. I got Covid in jan 2020 out for a week. I had pneumonia for a month. Two of my coworkers were sick at same time. It was the hardest job ever

[@nygrl6102]

I'm so sorry for your terrible experience. I hope you can find a means of support that doesn't make your life miserable. This is not what we're here for.

[@lyndaweister9984]

SORRY 4 ALL THAT U HAVE BEEN THRU😥🙏❣

[@markwhittaker6866]

I hope you heal up soon. Take care of yourself.

[@aliannarodriguez1581]

I am so sorry, you deserve so much better. Our nursing homes should be treasuring and supporting the people that support them.😥

[@v.a.l.5165]

Millenials are lonely but definitely not longing for the office. We don't want to be there. We just want lives that a re meaningful and experiences that are tangible rather than digital. The ramped up workloads happening as we work remotely wouldn't change by working on site.

[@laverdadbuscador]

Americans almost over-night realized that when they're on their death bed they won't be saying "I wish I spent more time at the office".

[@lyndaweister9984]

EXACTLY 💯%! UNBELIEVABLE! Work/Family Balance needed by All&a "Living Wage"!!👍🙏❣

[@laverdadbuscador]

@@lyndaweister9984 we have to legally define what "living wage" means first. Otherwise it's just feelings. Force rarely works in the USA, it's better to create incentives. We have tax breaks for recycling and companies to invest in green energy, this and that. Yet, we don't give tax breaks to companies who pay employees fairly based company / local statistics. We don't give tax incentives to companies to stop abusing overtime laws. In my industry (trucking) it's the norm to work 70+ hours a week. That is just expected of you. It's awful. Worst part is many people are just cool with it. They define themselves by their career. To me that's sad and makes me wonder how much their parents neglected them as children. Companies at least in the PNW would rather hire 5 people to do the work of 10 people, than to just hire 10 people. Right now I get their is a labor shortage, but this is just how it's always been here. It's considered "lazy" to want to work a standard 40hrs. Like, they'll audibly laugh at the idea.

[@theobserver9131]

I started my working life in the 80s living and traveling with Renaissance festivals. We worked really hard, but it was fun. We worked for ourselves. We set our own hours, we set our own prices, we decided what to do, and how to do it. All that freedom ruined me for the regular working world. I could never understand how people would settle into jobs with no respect and low pay, and no self-determination.

[@sherylF5610]

Are you still doing the festivals?

[@theobserver9131]

@@sherylF5610 no, the last Festival I did was 12 or 13 years ago I did the Clearwater Bay Area Festival, trying to sell my woodturnings. That area is too cheap. Nobody wants to spend more than $10 a pop there. Besides, I was tired of the whole thing. My alternative was carpentry and Landscaping and general handyman work. Still, self-employed!

[@theobserver9131]

@@sherylF5610 were you a Renaissance Festival person?

[@theobserver9131]

@@sherylF5610 now I am a professional Grandpa. I help take care of my granddaughters.

[@mjinba07]

I don't think it's rocket science to run your workplace with humanity. We don't have to call it "mental health" or "wellness" or even "human centered management." It should be an expected way of doing business. And we don't have to label stressed out, fed up employees as being "burnt out." The fact that workers eventually develop intolerance for being exploited, bullied, or treated unfairly is a sign of health. The fact that they've kept trying, even to the point of exhaustion, is somewhat heroic. When a noticeable percentage of workers at a given place of employment say, enough, that should be a forehead-slap moment for the boards of directors and the upper management. Get your sht together and recognize your responsibility to your workers.

[@cindy7733]

The healthcare system should be ashamed of itself! It's too profit-based! I've worked in hc since the 90's and I have seen how they have decreased staff and increased work loads on the remaining employees. A complete and total recipe for burnout, high turnaround, and sheer disaster. I am physically and emotionally depleted. I quit my job in March and I feel like an idiot because I'm going to run out of money. However, I worked throughout the entire pandemic last year 2020 and was underpaid and working with nasty mean people at an urgent care center and doctors office who had no respect for others and we were belittled beyond words. I was bullied on a daily basis. I worked so hard! I can't begin to articulate how horrible my body and spirit still feel. I have a college degree and I can't find a job that pays a living wage! I lucked out last year because I was able to live in a friend's house for free but that ship has sailed and I'm back at my mother's home. It's pathetic. And yes I have been applying for jobs left and right, ignoring my burnout because I NEED to work but I refuse to work a job that pays close to nothing while enduring so much mental and physical abuse at work! I need to eat. I need to pay rent! And I find it utterly insulting that people think that I, among others, don't WANT to work and are simply lazy! That kind of thinking goes to show what a disconnect many people have to those trying to earn an honest living.

[@duranmirta]

In 2019 I went through a burnout. My boss fired me because of my many mistakes, for the 1rst time in my life I was making that many mistakes. I suffered insomnia, only got 2 to 3 hours of sleep. I was like a walking dead.

[@superpuppy7854]

"How do we get to the root of the problem? " The problem is that companies exist to outgrow their competitors and report ever larger returns for their shareholders. Not only does this screw over the employees, who are now an overhead to be trimmed down, but it's also the driver for environmental destruction and our race to extinction, currently running at 200 species a day. Companies should exist to provide employment, not dividends. Coca cola currently dumps hundreds of millions of plastic bottles a day into the environment. Why? Because they 'save' on the cost of collecting empty glass bottles and washing and reusing them. The factories and thousands of employees who used to do that are all gone. Purely so that the shareholders take home more profits while contributing nothing. Unsustainable madness. The economy has been all but shut down for the last 18 months but everywhere you look the world is either on fire or under water. Now all of these countries are going gung ho to restart the economy and get back to fanning the flames again. We're missing a golden opportunity to shut down this madness and develop a sustainable and human friendly economy instead.

[@roscothestowaway]

So well said!

[@selenasimmons6653]

Agreed! Here was a chance to re-think & re-do business models...the few businesses that took the time to do that will have long-term gains...the ones who haven't will run into the same problems magnified again..the environment actually started healing when the world shut down...we had a Chance to put in new infrastructure, let the Earth heal, come up with better plans...instead many didn't take the chance for change...so many industries need an overhaul or else they won't exist! ( Hear that fast fashion?!! & The way Americans are not dressing nowdays your time is coming to an end!)

[@Mona1930]

This, yes

[@triplethreatmatt]

You are so right! I am always shocked when a company reports an increase in quarterly or annual profits but their stock value drops because the increased profits weren't as high as analysts had hoped. So ridiculous

[@stephanie8560]

I'm tired of talking heads describing the problems of capitalism in detail, all while pretending no alternative economic system exists. It is infuriating. These aren't new problems, heck, Marx's theory of alienation has been around for over a century. These are solvable problems, but not under a system where profit matters more than human dignity and pressing workers to their breaking point and replacing them when they're spent like you would a broken light bulb is highly profitable. Workers don't need meditation (crying) booths, they need democratic control of their workplaces.

[@dougn2350]

Exactly!

[@bethmoore7722]

Great comments here, but you are absolutely right. We’ll have no power as workers unless we own and control the means of production.

[@sherylF5610]

@@bethmoore7722 I see a show of power with the people who chose to leave jobs recently. And the fact that help wanted signs are everywhere and the jobs aren't getting filled. Some of the previous low waged and tipped workers do not see those kind of jobs as options anymore. I do believe that this is a show of power. Definitely steps in the right direction

[@oliviaturner7388]

100%

[@s.a.2317]

You might try Venezuela, I believe they replaced capitalism there.

[@user-yy2zz7wk1z]

I work in Healthcare and I was burnt out before Covid. My depression and suicidal ideation and anxiety is at an all time high. We’ve been pushed beyond the brink in Healthcare over the last couple years. I feel like death incarnate.

[@psybelle]

Incredible interview. As a Psychologist one of the biggest issues I've been having with clients individually is burnout. And in most cases, psychotherapy is payed by the company, but they don't wanna know about changing company culture and policies so that people don't actually get sick at work.

[@catya3668]

The USA Plantation Era approach to labor has reached a fever-pitch. The most glaring example is healthcare access. It's essentially Work or Die. When Russia allows political prisoners to languish and die in prison, we call them out. Yet in our system, if you're not working for The Man, you will be denied adequate shelter, food, water and healthcare. Prisoners and POWs get healthcare but not someone who *gasp* is unemployed. If there are no decent jobs available and medical attention is needed, the only option is to commit a crime, and go to government sanctioned plantations, for-profit prisons. Minimal healthcare can be accessed there. It's 21st century slavery.

[@phriedokra6158]

My retirement plan....lol...heck all I need is a supply of books ya know? My teeth can get fixed or dentures.... most cant afford them ....hey, let's declare war on American poor health and MAKE MEDICARE FOR ALL FREE INCLUDING DENTAL, MENTAL AND VISION AND HEARING....make that dentist a part of the war on decay with free dentures so one can chew to maintain strength.....everyone profits OFF WAR...EXCEPT THE DEAD...MAKE HEALTHCARE OUR NEXT WAR....

[@oliviaturner7388]

100%

[@jerryrichardson2799]

Truer than most people will acknowledge, alas.

[@MK-tk8tb]

Maybe some folks have reviewed their values and decided they need a more personally fulfilling use of their lives.

[@sheilafernandes397]

As a bedside nurse, I am totally burnt and I am ready to quit. As a nurse, if you are more than 5 days off in a year at work you get a pink slip. Employers are greedy simple as that.

[@colleenoconnor5999]

This whole thing started in the 80s, when companies started their "streamlining" everything. Then they started with the "inventory management" and found it was easier to fluctuate the work force - instead of inventory. Employment Agencies sprung up everywhere. Employers lost their loyalty to workers. Employers told employees - do you know how many people would love to have your job? Employers interview potential candidates, and manipulated their ideas out of them and used the ideas - while they continued with interviewing more candidates. Employers strip mined employees. So now employees got a taste of home life, and have had time to rethink work. Employers would love to place the blame for this exiting of employees on the pandemic, getting soft, spoiled etc., but it's way beyond that. It's lack of respect, placing no value on the workers, and making profits the main objective while giving credit to few. Workers have more to offer then employers know.

[@josehawkins4276]

Working oneself into debt to survive, why do it anymore?

[@josehawkins4276]

It’s not burn out, rather diminishing returns are a thing of the past. Try negative returns when working? F&@k that! I aim not working for someone else to get in debt. F&@k that.

[@josehawkins4276]

It’s dynamic over decades

[@mauritiusdunfagel9473]

Burnout-capitalism’s gift to the American worker!

[@caelidhg6261]

The thing that makes me so mad is that we have been in this pandemic for 2 years!!! pretty much. WE were locked down for about a year.. and I was SOO hopeful that businesses would be making more changes.. they adapted a bit .. tried to accomodate more work from home model.. more flex scheduling.. but NOW many are just throwing all that out and forcing workers back into the same pre-pandemic model. There is a lot of pressure to be back in the office. SOME folks are more extraverted.. and are fine with that.. some jobs you NEED to be onsite.. that is just a no brainer.. but many can be done from a computer from your home.. PERIOD. There are some companies that were adapting to more of an E Model of communicating during the pandemic but now have gone back to paper and old ways of doing things.. THey just threw out and abandoned all the advances they could have continued to make. People never learned about how to do a more electronic version of their job. Folks STILL haven't learned how to encrypt emails or things like that. they just are like "no. we only fax".. blah blah.. It is aggravating!!! I do medical records and work with atty's and most of the atty's have been FINE with encrypting emails.. but there are a couple that are just like NOPE.. NOPE NOPE .. Fax 500 pages to me. UGH..

[@caelidhg6261]

and I think that is about "control" about "Micromanaging" workers. ... not trusting workers... Not just "as long as you get your work done, I don't care how you do it". I at least got some praise by our DIRECTOR for being progressive and learning new ways of doing my job and encouraging the staff to learn how to do their job more efficiently. (and they are 80 something years old!) but some of the older therapsists are like WAAAH I can't figure out how to read this email... level. It is AgGRaVATING!

[@oshun2866]

I resent my bosses for the way they poorly handle a lot of things impacting my job. They have the nerve to think office social events and a holiday dinner is supposed to appease us and trick us into thinking they care about us.I feel worn out, unwelcome and detached. I want to quit but too exhausted to seek another job. Praying for my escape.

[@ariesarcie]

same here…..

[@yarnpower]

Just look at how most managers do schedules. They won’t give one guaranteed day off a week, the same day off each week, so how can workers schedule appointments for themselves and loved ones without the hassle of having to find someone to trade off with constantly. This adds tremendously to family and work life stress. Almost everyone has a child or elderly person they are responsible for, let alone scheduling their own medical, dental appointments.

[@zenwolf1046]

And if you are lucky, you get a schedule for two weeks at a time. Most places only give out schedules one week in advance. My theory is that businesses want their employees to be anxious about the hours worked enough that they wont seek a second job. It makes no sense that people cant have a set schedule.

[@kimberlytross9864]

and mgrs may put out the schedule the day before the week starts. So stressful! I see no reason for any of that mess.

[@selenasimmons6653]

Many companies use a software that makes the schedules nowdays...but it won't make it weeks in advance...b.c it bases it off of generated profit from the last week (not the season of the last yr) so if sales r slow, they will schedule light and then when it suddenly picks up thts when you get the "can u come in?" Calls...an algorithm running the show instead of experienced professionals...

[@laVIEchef]

Absolutely spot on! Something as “simple” (really could be), as having a typical steady schedule is not at all that much to ask for- or to do for your employees… certainly one of the nicest things to have- a heads up to plan LIFE around work. What a concept. 🙄

[@lyndaweister9984]

EXACTLY 💯%UNBELIEVABLE!

[@kathypiazza7228]

No one examining this issue has brought up the death toll. Having been widowed twice & still kind young 63, I remember looking at work life & home life balance- a realization that once your dead it’s all over, when very ill you don’t wish to return to work from the hospital you want to return to loved ones. We used to work to live now it’s live to work. I think part of the burn out is taking a good look at priorities. For many making great money in as few hours as possible so as to spend the $$ & our time with our families & friends. Most of us spent more time with co-workers than loved ones pre Covid.

[@ligbzd837]

Burnout also happens when it is self-inflicted: people are trying to be super-mom and super-dad with 3 kids while at the same time both parents want successful careers that demand 50-60 hrs a week of their time. Sorry, in life, you can't have it all. You just have to pick which is more important and give up others.

[@shmataboro8634]

LiG BZd. My folks used to say you can have it all, but you can't have it all at the same time. that's why I raised my kids then went back into the work force, rather than trying to do both at once. There are only so many hours in a day.

[@ligbzd837]

@@shmataboro8634 You're right! Not at the same time...

[@jemmah4723]

This is the uncomfortable truth.

[@ligbzd837]

@@jemmah4723 Our society should stop promoting "got to have it all" in order to be happy. This is setting ourselves up for failure.

[@mjohnson1741]

Correct, as much as America and certain political factions claim 🙄 to be conservative/traditional but we have 0 legislation to support people who want to have children. Look at the suicide rate in less than 20yrs the suicide rate in the US increased by almost 😢 40%. Yet that's not news anywhere? If that's not failure, I have no idea what is?

[@stephaniestanley8041]

It is horrible, every single day. If it weren't for my responsibilities I would leave. I know it is taking an enormous toll.

[@billhobartclairvoyantmedium]

People are done working for slave wages. Watching restaurants and bars pay employees 2 bucks an hour while the government makes up the difference in food stamps and other government programs. Time to pay a living wage across the board.

[@kellyberry4173]

Fact

[@AELeeify]

Not quite true the "GOVERNMENT" don't make up nothing, they rob us tax payers of our income to make up for corporate and government shortcomings. It's kinda like the feed the children charities. They gov and corporations hold their hands out for our money just give .01 percent back to the people and keep the 99.99% for themselves, all the while crying poor mouth.

[@azeclecticdog]

Bid'ness overpaying their executives is one huge problem.

[@Amick44]

You got that right. To sit on a damn yacht sippin cocktails while mid level mgrs and worker bees get it done.

[@paddyholly2184]

The OilyGarchs have really effed themselves now. They can't find The Help to scrub their toilets and mow their grass for peanuts anymore. I expect a big surge in allowing immigration again to Service them.

[@PlanetZipp]

I was working a 70 hours a week for almost 3 years to just barely pay the bills and keep up with production orders. In addition, I was working side jobs and promoting on weekends. My body seized up and I was so over tired I couldn’t sleep when I got to bed. Or sleep wasn’t rested. The knots in my neck were so hard I was unable to stabilize my hormones, feel relaxed to fall asleep, and felt it all the way into my numb thumb. I was getting infection after infection. It took 3 plus years of many therapeutic practices to finally feel good to get back to work. Now it’s Covid and work is not plentiful for me. I need to make a livable wage as a highly skilled professional. My pattern making and sewing skills are at the level of engineers. Wish me luck in finding a job in my career that will allow me life/ work balance. 🌈🍀🌈

[@craigenputtock]

What's the point of going to work when you'll never be paid enough to rent an apartment, have a car (where it's necessary), or afford health insurance, etc. etc.? You might as well just give up. And lots of people have.

[@misterbanshee7992]

If any studies about suicide rates in 2020-2021 show high increases I bet it’s because people feel hopeless and trapped.

[@petersimpson633]

Why am I working so very hard to still be poor? A good question

[@valcrump8257]

I was an Lpn for 35 years. I believe that burnout was inevitable for many years. I didn’t enjoy family, friends, or any sort of life for 10 years before I took a stress leave. I spent all of my time off in bed. , and dreaded going back after 2 days off. My back was painful, my brain was exhausted, and I just could not go on. I believe that a huge part was that I did not have the resources to do my job. Not enough staff, not enough bedding, not enough equipment, but too many patients. Health care does not care about their workers, rather they keep burdening their workers with a greater workload, less equipment, and more responsibility. And all of the mandatory courses only added to the already considerable load. Every year, there were more mandatory education requirements. I retired at 59, because my back problems and overall health declined with each day I worked. I managed to avoid the COVID crises. I feel great love, respect, and compassion for those that are dealing with the pandemic, and the overall disregard for their wellbeing. The anti vaxxers, anti maskers, and plague rats that are prolonging this misery for everyone else should be ashamed!

[@seththomas9105]

God Bless, Val. It's not just Healthcare. I work in the Railroad industry and it's EXACTLY the same at the railroads. Hundreds of employees, if not thousands were let go over the last ten years and now they have enacted policies that don't even let us use personal leave days to get time away. BTW we work on call 24/7. I've been working on call 23 out of 25 years at my company, and it's only getting worse.

[@selenasimmons6653]

Spending your days off in bed.....that part...my fiancee is fighting tht but he's there...I'm realizing how tired I am from working OT, and juggling life events( you name it, it happened to us in 2021)

[@chrism8180]

You had me until the last sentence where you find a scapegoat for a systematic problem

[@aliannarodriguez1581]

@@chrism8180 If anyone has a right to complain about people not taking Covid precautions it’s someone in health care. Health employees were already overwhelmed before it hit, and the lack of basic precautions by patients made their jobs far more dangerous and brutal.

[@chrism8180]

@@aliannarodriguez1581 oh my not the dangerous cov.. so scary, and also barely dangerous

[@flowerchild3686]

12 more years til I can retire! I hope I don't die before then, and if I don't, I hope I'll have enough money to live!! One thing sure does amuse me - where will all this "lifetime of crap" I bought and collected over the years end up? The dump or goodwill I imagine. I no longer buy anything I don't absolutely need. (If only I had figured out capitalism 40 years ago.)

[@kjmav10135]

Same here. I’ve started giving it all away.

[@juliovillagran4105]

Minimalism baby! The only thing I collect is books and only if they're not available in the public libraries.

[@awesomemom533]

9 more years and counting.

[@josecandelas9911]

Minimalism is your friend! I am happy you noticed that all the junk we purchase means nothing because as you said.... when we die it will end up in a dump or goodwill.

[@josecandelas9911]

@@juliovillagran4105 Minimalism all the way!

[@joygernautm6641]

I think the pandemic taught people that they can actually survive on less when they have the time to do things like cook from scratch, fix their own things, not have to pay for the cost of commuting.A lot of people have decided they want to work from home and the smart companies are supporting them in that.

[@andydovey7417]

It's only when you get off the merry-go-round that you can look back and see all you were doing was going round in circles. For me, it was a major stroke that threw me off the merry-go-round in 2013, aged 55. It forced me to re-evaluate my life from top to bottom. For many now, it's the pandemic that has thrown them off the merry-go-round and they are re-evaluating. Employers had better start looking after their staff and paying better wages. Yes, it will mean prices will increase (as will inflation), but we will value goods and services a lot more and (hopefully) treat people with respect no matter how 'low skilled' their jobs are. (BTW, I don't believe there are 'low skilled' jobs, only 'low paid' ones).

[@teenageapocalypseusa5368]

Andy what were some of the conclusions you came to after you began re-evaluating everything? How did you find the next correct step in your life?

[@andydovey7417]

@@teenageapocalypseusa5368 A great question! The next steps in my life were rather dictated to me by my health limitations after my stroke & brain surgery but, essentially this is what it boiled down to - I was unable to return to work, so straight away there's a financial issue. Being unable to return to work also had mental issues (who am I?, what am I going to do?, etc). I spent about 2 years in denial of all this, until the penny dropped. We ended up moving from southern England to southern Scotland - less stressful society, more peaceful, slower pace of life, cheaper cost of living. And it's the best thing I've done. Should have done it years ago but I was too busy working flat out pay bills and support my family. My attitude to work was all wrong and imbalanced. I am now cash poor but emotionally rich.

[@teenageapocalypseusa5368]

@@andydovey7417 Thank you so much for this detailed reply. What you said reminds me of the "restaurant scene" in the movie, PIG. I recommend you check it out asap (It's on KZbin). I feel that single scene speaks to the heart of what all people feel when they realize they are on the merry-go-round and want to get off. Congratulations on making such an important life changing effect. You are in a position many millionaires would envy even if they would not say it out aloud.

[@andydovey7417]

@@teenageapocalypseusa5368 I will check that movie out. Thanks for the recommendation. It's sad that it took severe ill health on my part to 'see the light', but it's a lesson that I hope others can learn from

[@whygohome172]

A great commenter once said, when your accustomed to PRIVILEGED, EQUALITY looks like losing.

[@mikeswanson849]

Many emplaoyers have been treating employees llike absolute disposable crap for a long time so now the proverbial "chickens are coming home to roost".

[@Whocares1976]

I work in human services processing benefit applications. I was stressed out and burnt out five years ago, I could honestly care less now. I do the literal bare minimum that is expected of me and nothing else. They have strict time limits for each case that were unrealistic five years ago and are down right impossible now. Most of the department has quit and now the supervisors and admins are working cases to try and hide the lack of workers , can’t say I feel sorry for them. We have all been working mandatory overtime on nights and weekends for years , with shitty pay raises of $0.50 cents , while they collected awards and bonuses for all of our hard work. The retail stores where I live are paying almost $19 an hour, which is the same they are offering for this job, except they expect a bachelors degree , years of experience , six months of training , and you need to know a long list of ever changing federal rules and regulations to process the cases . People don’t show up to the interviews , and if they do show up, they ghost after the low pay is offered with no increase for actual experience etc. The whole thing is imploding and I for one , am going to sit back and watch the fireworks.

[@OG_Beckie_Leigh]

Oh wow! I honestly didn’t know that this was a real thing. I’ve felt like this for years, and I thought it was just me. I’ve worked for my parents’ business for 20 years, and I’ve always worked extra to learn all aspects of the admin & accounting side of the business and as much of the field operations as I’ve been allowed access to. When others weren’t carrying their load or left the company, management knew they could count on me to pick up the slack. After so many years of having the responsibilities without being given any type of decision making authority, increase in compensation, or even overtime pay, I have become extremely exhausted. When I’ve attempted to discuss the issues, I’m immediately dismissed and treated as if I’m ungrateful. I can’t even remember the last year that I’ve been able to take time off for my earned vacation benefit without it being interrupted by work. The only thing that has kept me from quitting is the fear of not being able to support myself financially, but with each day that passes, the idea of selling everything I own and living in my car becomes more and more appealing. Thanks for this information and helping me to understand that how I’ve been feeling is actually real and not just something I made up.

[@Noms_Chompsky]

"Pay them more, it grows the economy"

[@jonathanmiddleton4882]

Having been through multiple downturns and recoveries, people stayed on bad jobs until other opportunities became available. Today, I'm seeing bad jobs at poor pay still being advertised. Management and Capital has not suffered enough yet to rethink what work, pay and benefits are.

[@jeffworob3453]

Lack of unions is a big reason for this. You can thank ronnie "the popular" Reagan for your burnnout and low wages. Thanks Ronnie!!

[@JayAr709]

Ray gun: “Thanks for the votes, suckers!”

[@chrism8180]

Unions suck, nothing but a money coffer for corrupt officials

[@JayAr709]

@@chrism8180 Bribery is corruptive of union officials no less than management, congress, all the way up.

[@jeffworob3453]

Unions put a lot of people in the middle class. Ask the old timers.

[@chrism8180]

@@JayAr709 Yea the difference is we aren't paying for the bribes like you do with union dues

[@JaneTheMessage]

I’ve said this for some time now, but neurotypical “passing” autistic adults have been burning out for decades trying to make our lives work in accordance with the societal systems running into the ground now. We have been the proverbial canaries in the coal mine. Consider looking into the research on autistic burnout as well, I think there are insights to be found there.