To think “work ethic” is just capitalism’s favourite personality trait?

[NaiceBlueSquid]

We act like “hard-working” is a moral virtue. But isn’t it really just capitalism’s way of getting people to feel proud about exhausting themselves for someone else’s profit? AIBU to think “work ethic” is less about character and more about compliance?

Ah - so only one person off at a time. Would we all have to coordinate our duvet days off first, so we can draught in more staff in advance?

No I don’t.

It’s part of my identity and self-image to do the best job I can. I’ve had the misfortune to work alongside people with OP’s point of view, though, and they’re a PITA for everyone else.

Nothing to do with capitalism for me.

Yes and no. It’s about satisfaction of doing a good job for me. But yes in that the push for it is often driven by corporate greed. Forcing women and men to prioritise work over family. So i put lots of time and hard work for things for me and my family too, to balance things out.

I agree op.
It always amuses me when people ask if I like my job. In theory it could be great. That’s the theory. If I came into a lot if money I would either ask to go part time, no more that 3 days. Or leave completely.

I would modify this to:
'Communism relies on people thinking that working hard enough in accordance with your ability is the right thing to do for the collective good, and that in return others will work hard enough and benefit you.'

I think OP has a point about capitalism and work ethic.

In pretty short order we've gone from,

"We act like “hard-working” is a moral virtue. But isn’t it really just capitalism’s way of getting people to feel proud about exhausting themselves for someone else’s profit?"

to

"My post wasn’t about knocking people at all. It’s more a reflection on how the idea of work ethic is sometimes weaponised, especially in traditional employment, to justify burnout or guilt people into overextending themselves."

Have you answered your own question OP?

p.s. Work ethic isn't a personality trait.

Thing is, most often you’re not ‘sticking it to the man’! You’re ’sticking it’ to your work colleagues, who are likely as stressed and underpaid as you are and who may be forced to take on your workload.

There is some ground between taking a sick day just
becuase it’s your birthday or you feel a bit sad and never taking a day off even when ill

the world is multi coloured not monochromatic simplicity

The whole point is that no one should feel stressed and underpaid at work. Those are not reasons to work even harder for less money and more stress.

You’re totally right and, unfortunately, that’s working life in this country now for most people. Overworked and underpaid, often doing the work of several people and being treated like shite. Even the ‘good’ jobs that people once aspired to (doctor, teacher, etc.) are now awful.

In my last job, we were being asked to do more and more, and that breeds resentment - not just for your managers but for your co-workers too. Eventually, the whole (initially fantastic) team fell apart.

I can understand this. You are seen as a failure if you don't earn a certain amount at a certain age. And if you don't earn that much, then it is seen as normal to work way over 40 hours a week. Someone on here said that if you can only earn NMW then you should be prepared to work 100 hour weeks and just fucking not ever complain about it. Worked out you would have about 30 hours a week for "recreation", when it was actually waking up, getting to sleep, eating, self care, commuting etc.

"Work life balance" is bollocks. You spend a third of your day, usually your most awake and productive hours, at work. Get home knackered. Spend the weekend recovering, just to do it all again.