What is a popular phrase nowadays within the hypocritical empire? Oh yeah, “nobody wants to work.” Most people would argue that “work” has evolved into a series of obnoxious, repetitive tasks that help no one and nothing, but those with control and resources need a hammer to hold over our heads. Despite the propaganda, most people prefer to have steady income and the chance to change their destinies, but lack the real opportunity to do so based on the ideology of selfish people. However, after having various jobs from fast food to tech startup in the past 21 years, I have come to the conclusion that the main reason people have no interest in jobs is because the bosses are not at work, and the workers must concede to their wishes.
What is one of the biggest landmines against building a healthy workplace? Having a clique that includes the boss, but is almost impossible for everyone else to enter, which is what most white collar jobs are about. Instead of actually doing whatever desk job required and setting reasonable hours–all of which could be done from people’s homes without interference–the point seems to be pleasing the unpleasable classes. Someone could work themselves sick, injured, or dead, and the only way that person would gain bonuses or promotions is if the bosses “liked” them.
Additionally, there is usually someone who is chosen to be the punching bag by everyone else in the office, regardless of their position within the hierarchy. This usually happens on the first day, initiated by the supervisor, but then followed by people who think that there is a chance for them to be “picked” to progress. Punching bags usually see the truth, and eventually leave, but because the bosses get bored, another punching bag has to get picked from the rest of the meat sacks still working at the “factory.” Not being punched in the first place is not a guarantee that the boss will not eventually decide to designate someone as the punching bag, no matter how much groundwork has been laid ahead of time.
Someone close to me said that jobs without college degree requirements tend to devolve into high school environments. People who are usually reserved do their best to lie low, while class clowns try and take over whatever the work environment is. Anyone who has done any work on themselves since high school can suddenly revert back to unhealthy habits just to get a paycheck and hope to keep food on the table and a door closed. There is nothing healthy about that environment and it is not required, but it has a nasty habit of occurring when people have chips on their shoulders about not fulfilling the marketed track to college.
No one wants to join a clique, haze strangers, or go back to high school in any way, especially during economic decline. If work was simply about keeping jobs and reaching one’s professional and personal goals, most people would be more than happy to accept working circumstances. However, there is a general expectation of abuse within working hours, and when people are desperate to gain income, they already know that they will have to endure some of the worst behavior. If the bosses cannot be “at work,” then nobody wants to work because everyone would, quite frankly, rather be doing anything else in the world.
* Image taken as a screenshot from the Saturday Night Live short sketch, “Like a Boss,” featuring Andy Samberg.
Chasing A Dying Empire 