Less Work, More Living

[marmar]

from YES! Magazine:



Less Work, More Living
Working fewer hours could save our economy, save our sanity, and help save our planet.

by Juliet Schor
posted Aug 31, 2011


Millions of Americans have lost control over the basic rhythm of their daily lives. They work too much, eat too quickly, socialize too little, drive and sit in traffic for too many hours, don’t get enough sleep, and feel harried too much of the time. It’s a way of life that undermines basic sources of wealth and well-being—such as strong family and community ties, a deep sense of meaning, and physical health.

Imagining a world in which jobs take up much less of our time may seem utopian, especially now, when a scarcity mentality dominates the economic conversation. People who are employed often find it difficult to scale back their jobs. Costs of medical care, education, and child care are rising. It may be hard to find new sources of income when U.S. companies have been laying people off at a dizzying rate.

But fewer work hours for people with jobs is a key step toward solving the unemployment crisis—while giving Americans healthier lives. Fewer hours means more jobs are available to people who need them. Living on less pay usually means consuming less, making more of the things one needs at home, and living lighter, whether by design or by accident.

Today, driven both by necessity and the deliberate choice to live simply, more Americans are shifting toward fewer work hours. It’s a trend that, if done correctly, could get us out of our current economic crisis and away from unsustainable economic growth. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/new-livelihoods/less-work-more-living

[Curmudgeoness]

1. This brings to mind my father's favorite saying,

"wish in one hand, shit in the other, and see which one fills up first".

I think that many of us who are working or looking for work would be willing to work less and find some small enjoyments in our life, but the bosses of the world keep that from happening. I cannot even imagine what my boss would say if I requested less hours, even if it did involve less pay. He keeps wanting more and more, so our society seems to be going in the wrong direction.

[immoderate]

2. Some body gets it! We don't need more work.

Years ago, on this very forum, I called for a 20 hour work week. A few times. Never goes anywhere. I am more in favor of a 0 hour work week now.

Concisely, automation eliminates jobs. How do those eliminated participate in an economy that is work based?

--imm

[WingDinger]

3. employers dont want to foot the bill for benefits for part timers.

[lumberjack_jeff]

4. Of course they don't want to.

How does that matter? Government is about setting rules that improve the general welfare.

Employers don't want (with good reason) to be the first one to volunteer to make the change for the greater good.

[Sentath]

5. Which brings us neatly around to non-employer based healthcare,

which our last round of health insurance reform did not address, that I recall.