Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

I heard a study on 60 minutes last week that Americans don't use all their vacation time, they go to work when they are sick, basically they feel like they always have to work and can't miss work for any reason.
Meanwhile other countries MANDATE vacation time - like France, I think requires every person to take 30 days of vacation a year.
Why is this country so work-centric?


Edited - you can even add into this work-culture materinty leave. Why is the U.S. one of the only countries in the world that does not have paid maternity leave?

Message edited 2/21/2008 8:54:20 AM.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

its funny how other cultures define americans as lazy yet we work so much harder.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

... Because Corporate America wants to suck every bit of life out of its employees.


Its all about greed.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

I take most of my vacation every year, and I always encourage other people to as well. Americans have the idea that if you take time off, people will see that they can get along without you. Actually, as long as you are doing your job, it's the opposite. People ALWAYS notice and appreciate you more when you aren't available. That's when they realize that you are the only one who can do X, or knows X, etc.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

I saw this on the news too--- with this and the government supplied nannies I want to move to France.

Honestly, I was hoping we could get a woman president so we can make some changes to womens rights and at least maternity leave policies.

This country is insane and with what is expected of people-- it's no wonder that people are having heart attacks and dying of heart disease-- the stress is literally killing us.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

there is no more loytaly in the workplace - between both the company or the employee. so i think most people feel if they go to work w/ 103 fever and a stomach ailment - it makes them look like a "team player" or something to that effect.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

Because we are a very materialistic society...I think a lot of Americans think they will be able to take it with them to the grave while the European mentality is more quality over quantity.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

Posted by SIBride06

Posted by donegal419

Posted by SweetTooth

Why is this country so work-centric?


Edited - you can even add into this work-culture materinty leave. Why is the U.S. one of the only countries in the world that does not have paid maternity leave?

Because we live in a completely capitalistic society. In America, it is about the almighty dollar. It is about always making a profit and making as much money as possible.

That said, with family in Europe, they have the right idea. They work hard as well, but their priorities are in check. DH's cousin over the summer got a new job and she said, "The vacation is not that good... I only get six weeks!" That is the minimum allowed by law! Also, the retirement age there is 55.

I think America could take a nod from Europe in some ways. They value family and down-time, which in turn makes people more productive. It is better because families are raising their kids, not day care centers... (with all due respect to working parents, I think we can all agree that it is best to be home with your kids, if you can.) When you are pregnant you are given the time you need without worrying that your job will be gone when you are ready to come back.

Also, in America, many people work to support a lifestyle. to have the latest Mercedes in the driveway, to have the newsest gadget, to have this season's new clothes. In Europe, I think people work more to pay their bills, not to "keep up with the Jones'." We also struggle with high property taxes (most countries in Europe do not have property taxes) as well as putting in certain hours to get health insurance, while in Europe people are covered under the government and only buy into a supplemental plan if they want to.

Well said

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

in America we live to work in Europe they work to live....

they have their one car enough money in savings and enough money to take their summer vacation every year.. that is enough for them. They want a job that they do well in but it is a job what they do does not make them who they are. In American the first question they ask you is what do you do and right from there they have a judgement of who you are. In Europe garbage men hang out with lawyers and it is no big deal.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

You are right about somethings and wrong about other things. Yes, in Europe we (and yes, I do know that the UK isn't considered Europe, but for these purposes I am going to say it is in Europe) we do get better holiday and benefits and maternity leave etc, but people do have very similar work attitudes and ethics as the US, although there are some subtle differences.

Europe is just as capitalistic as the rest of the world, We all still work big companies, and making money for that company is still our main goal. Myy colleagues and neighbouts are just into making money, wearing designer clothes, driving fancy cars EVEN MORE SO than Americans (I find) and keeping up with the Jones. It is just as prevalent as in the US, one difference is that people here don’t have as much crap as most Americans have, they spend their money a bit more wisely. Holiday is very important and I would think twice about taking a job that didn’t have at least 25/30 days holiday, anything below that is not acceptable in my opinion. One thing that differs greatly in Europe, and this is the most subtle thing, is that time management is a big issue in the workplace. I am finding that with most of my friends, unless they get paid for it, they don’t stay in the office past finishing time at 5.30, I myself know that when my whistle blows at 5 pm, I am out that door. In my company (and in many other companies) your own personal time management if paramount. I make sure that I manage my time during the day so that all my work is finished at 5 pm, just time for me to leave. Its all about the work life balance.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

Posted by ave1024

Posted by Meaghan729

its funny how other cultures define americans as lazy yet we work so much harder.

Well it doesn't help our case that most Americans (while being physically at work) usually end up only spending a few hours doing actual work and the rest on the internet.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

I agree with rachee.

quality is the key. as is being smart in what you spend.

making sure it actually enhances your life in some way, rather than having just to have.

I love the life over there. love it. I want to move so badly.

Re: Spinoff to my own post - the American work culture

I am guilty of this... I think it's because I will be looked down upon for being out.... My boss and co-workers are rarely out, so I am rarely out.... Unfortunately I think people are scared that if they are out then higher-ups will think they are lazy...

DH and I hate this about working. We're hard workers but if we take off we are overcome by such guilt and it's silly to feel that way but we do.