Comments | pmb: Work. But not mine. I don't think.

pmb

Work. But not mine. I don't think.

May 07, 2006 13:44

So, a while back, a friend said that she was having a tough time at work, and I responded:I'm pretty sure that most people's relationship to work is an abusive one. Things like "work doesn't like it if I go out, so I can't be friends with you any more" and "work was bad for a long time, but yesterday it was good, so I think it's changed and we've ( Read more... )

society, theories, abuse, work, economics

Comments 32

sertrel May 8 2006, 06:07:47 UTC

Well, we're now at three degrees of sharing, linked in wintersweet, who was linked from joedeckerI'd say it's a little more complicated than that ( ... )

rosefox May 8 2006, 06:34:29 UTC

(Here via joedecker. I'm intrigued to see this showing up just as this article hits my flist as well. Apparently a lot of people are thinking about these things ( ... )

obligatory dissenting voice crimmycat May 8 2006, 06:37:09 UTC

My work is not abusive - I do not find it to be an inherent power imbalance. They pay a good chunk of money, not only in wages but 401K, medical, and taxes, to lure me to work there. In return, I give them the expertise and human element they hired me to be. I do not have to have this job, and I am not trapped here - hell, I acidentally fell into an interview last week. Living frugally, I have quite a lot of time to not need a job in the bank ( ... )

Re: obligatory dissenting voice lunaetstellae May 9 2006, 03:12:30 UTC

"I find my self-esteem defined and fulfilled by the things I do outside of work, instead of at it. "

Well said. To me, this is the key....

Re: obligatory dissenting voice crimmycat May 9 2006, 06:57:35 UTC

I find defining self-esteem to be one half of the Zen of avoiding abusive work relationships. It is indeed a very important thing. When you draw your self-esteem from within, seek wisdom, knowledge, and grace as your goals, and have long range goals that are not dependant on the approval of those around you, the feelings and attempts of those around will not have much access or room to impact your heart and soul ( ... )

Obligatory Dissenting Voice #2, Qualified. akjdg May 8 2006, 09:05:14 UTC

While I think there is certainly truth in your premise, and examples of it abound (my work in Boston for 3 years is an example, although it doesn't fit your model well), it isn't universal, and - joyfully - it doesn't apply to my current situation ( ... )

avitzur May 8 2006, 16:02:35 UTC

I love my work. The question I ask myself about any job is: Would I do this if I weren't getting paid? I've been blessed with a number of work situations where I can wholeheartedly say Yes.

I often wonder how society would look if people didn't have to put up with abuse to ensure shelter and food and healthcare for themselves and their loved ones.

- Ron