The problem with the modern working situation in adults stems from the adults prioritizing and balancing work and leisure. The modern working system definitely favors work as opposed to free time, as evidenced by the 40 hour work week, and relative lack of holidays and time off. What constitutes as ‘work’ though? What constitutes as ‘leisure time’? Does simply being at work count as working? If I am at work but not being productive, I am neither really working nor do I have free time, yet time passes nonetheless, and I have less total time to either be productive or to use free time as I like. It is more than likely that people spend their time the way they do because they either feel obligated to their routine or they simply don’t know there are any alternatives.
Some of this responsibility falls to the employer; for example, for most people it is nearly impossible to stay focused and productive for 8 straight hours 5 days a week, so shortening the work day would at the very least increase the amount of free time workers have, while possibly also driving up productivity.
If workers are unhappy with their division of work and leisure, ultimately the onus is on them to make the decision to change reassess their priorities. Nobody is responsible for making an individual work in a job that requires them to be available 40 hours a week. The individual decides factors like money and stability are more important to them than flexibility, therefore they show up to work every day. The struggle most people seem to have is a case of having their cake and eating it too; they want free time to enjoy with themselves and their families, but they also want money that allows them to use their free time effectively.
The onset of technology has definitely influenced the population in regards to time spent working versus free time (Woodhouse, pg. 225), however I don’t think it has moved the needle much in either direction. Nowadays people can work from home over business networks on their laptops, however many people also take personal calls and play games on their cell phones during the workday, while also having near unlimited access to the internet at all times of the day.
There are two extremes to the work/leisure balance, one being unemployed and choosing not to have any household responsibilities, while the other is working a job that requires 24/7 availability. It is important for each worker to find the right balance balance between the two, or at least be aware that there exists other options and careers that do strike the right balance that is more suitable for what they desire.
Woodhouse, Edward. The Future of Technological Civilization. University Readers, 2013. Print.
The best way to have your cake and eat it too seems to be to retire very very early like Mr. Money Mustache et al. The real question is could this become more commonplace and what would happen if it did.
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