Why do Americans work so much more than Europeans?

[Razorguns]

In terms of hours. Even worse if you add in traffic.

The average employee starting in a company receives five weeks paid time immediately. The *average* workweek is 37 hours.

Why do US corporations reward people who work 16 hour days even though that person may only be getting 6-8 hours of actual work done. Being at your office 24/7 seems to be the key to recognition these days, not productivity. Taking pride in a job well done is secondary to glorifying 16 hour work days.

I think it's cuz most European countries are mostly socialist. They value people. North America is mostly capitalist. It values money and profit; with little care of the human employee.

Unsurpringly enough - americans bitch more about their jobs, and are unhappy, then their european counterparts.

Throughout my career - i've done shit good and fast. Not stretch things out. Some places i was heralded, some places it just got me more work. Only in America.

I wish MTSW was here

 

[pintoca]

Having worked on both continents, I can clearly say I like my shit better here (tee hee)

I agree on your entire post

except for the last line

 

[alien amp pharm]

I want to move to Europe or Australia someday. USA is turning into a shithole.

 

[pintoca]

I want to move to Europe or Australia someday. USA is turning into a shithole.

too many mexicans.

Come to Germany, there is only one here

 

[heatherrae]

I think that Americans value themselves first and foremost on how successful they are in their careers and material possessions. It is an ego thing (esp. for men, I think) to be the hard-driving gung-ho guy who works all those hours and gets all the recognition. Europeans are a little more well-balanced and sane than we are...lol.

 

[alien amp pharm]

I think that Americans value themselves first and foremost on how successful they are in their careers and material possessions. It is an ego thing (esp. for men, I think) to be the hard-driving gung-ho guy who works all those hours and gets all the recognition. Europeans are a little more well-balanced and sane than we are...lol.

We have to work so hard to afford the better looking, materialistic women.

 

[pintoca]

We have to work so hard to afford the better looking, materialistic women.

Pwnage galore

 

[foreigngirl]

In terms of hours. Even worse if you add in traffic.

The average employee starting in a company receives five weeks paid time immediately. The *average* workweek is 37 hours.

Why do US corporations reward people who work 16 hour days even though that person may only be getting 6-8 hours of actual work done. Being at your office 24/7 seems to be the key to recognition these days, not productivity. Taking pride in a job well done is secondary to glorifying 16 hour work days.

I think it's cuz most European countries are mostly socialist. They value people. North America is mostly capitalist. It values money and profit; with little care of the human employee.

Unsurpringly enough - americans bitch more about their jobs, and are unhappy, then their european counterparts.

Throughout my career - i've done shit good and fast. Not stretch things out. Some places i was heralded, some places it just got me more work. Only in America.

I wish MTSW was here

hey RG, for the first time I totally agree with everything you said. I wish I left for Britain when I was 18

 

[pintoca]

btw, for people here, work is simply a mean, not a goal. They (at least the German) value about anything more than the time they spend on work-related activities.

Of course there are exceptions, but as a society, they concentrate on their work, do what they have to do, care about quality but that is it.

Germans come to the office to work, not to make friends, they come in, do their thang and leave

 

[jenscats5]

In terms of hours. Even worse if you add in traffic.

The average employee starting in a company receives five weeks paid time immediately. The *average* workweek is 37 hours.

Why do US corporations reward people who work 16 hour days even though that person may only be getting 6-8 hours of actual work done. Being at your office 24/7 seems to be the key to recognition these days, not productivity. Taking pride in a job well done is secondary to glorifying 16 hour work days.

I think it's cuz most European countries are mostly socialist. They value people. North America is mostly capitalist. It values money and profit; with little care of the human employee.

Unsurpringly enough - americans bitch more about their jobs, and are unhappy, then their european counterparts.

Throughout my career - i've done shit good and fast. Not stretch things out. Some places i was heralded, some places it just got me more work. Only in America.

I wish MTSW was here

I agree - where I used to work - I was efficient, productive & per the reports, got more work done than the others who did the same job as me plus I have a BS in Accounting......

But who gets promoted?? (this is a finance company) The person who hardly does any work, stays late & has a music degree.....

 

[heatherrae]

We have to work so hard to afford the better looking, materialistic women.

Well, thanks for calling me good looking, I guess. I'm not materialistic. I used to be the one who worked all night and on weekends. It was making me pretty crazy. So, I have done my share of hard work.

Anyway, on materialism, I chose a really simple Ford Fusion to drive because I get a discount because my Dad retired from Ford. I'm generally not very flashy, wear little jewelry, etc. The only thing that I really splurge on is clothing, makeup, and other girly type stuff. My man isn't all that flashy, either. He drives an old Dodge Ram pick-up, and has a modest home.

Just to clarify. ;-)

 

[foreigngirl]

Well, thanks for calling me good looking, I guess. I'm not materialistic. I used to be the one who worked all night and on weekends. It was making me pretty crazy. So, I have done my share of hard work.

Anyway, on materialism, I chose a really simple Ford Fusion to drive because I get a discount because my Dad retired from Ford. I'm generally not very flashy, wear little jewelry, etc. The only thing that I really splurge on is clothing, makeup, and other girly type stuff. My man isn't all that flashy, either. He drives an old Dodge Ram pick-up, and has a modest home.

Just to clarify. ;-)

I like the Ford Fusion. And btw , my husband works at Ford.

 

[manny78]

Both sides have their negative aspects. In America people will bitch for anything and try to get paid more for doing less. In Europe (from what I witnessed in Spain), they labor's law sucks from a corporate point of view. Holidays here and there, highly unionized, cant fire someone if he/she has been working X years for you, this and that. So it all comes down to the same.

So if your motivation is to work 37.5 hours a week, get your 5 weeks of vacation and make sure your ass will never be fired, yeah go to Europe.

 

[heatherrae]

I like the Ford Fusion. And btw , my husband works at Ford.

Yeah, I like it. Mine is beige, and he makes fun of me that I don't want/need a sexier car. He says the "old lady car" doesn't fit my personality...lol.

In Michigan? My dad worked at the plant in Louisville, Ky. He is retired now. All he does is hunt and camp now. LOL.

 

[Raptorex]

If you want to be shocked, look at the average weekly hours worked in Asian countries...twice that of Europe in some cases.

 

[heatherrae]

You are right, Mighty Mouse! If you look on the web, they have pictures of them passed out asleep in the streets in BUSINESS SUITS! They can't leave before the boss leaves. They come in before the boss comes in. It is insane!

 

[heatherrae]

If you want to be shocked, look at the average weekly hours worked in Asian countries...twice that of Europe in some cases.

Holy Jumpin Jehosafats! Is that you, MM? SWOLE!

 

[foreigngirl]

Yeah, I like it. Mine is beige, and he makes fun of me that I don't want/need a sexier car. He says the "old lady car" doesn't fit my personality...lol.

In Michigan? My dad worked at the plant in Louisville, Ky. He is retired now. All he does is hunt and camp now. LOL.

yeah, in MI They have the old Henry Ford house as an museum, showing all models since Ford started. Its cool.

Your dad was lucky, so was my mother-in-law. Now, you cant really know for how long you gonna have this job

 

[juiceddreadlocks]

If I saw 50% of my paycheck instantly pissed away on mediocre healthcare and social programs, along with another 15% paid on 65% tax fuel, I wouldnt want to work for shit either.

 

[Razorguns]

So if your motivation is to work 37.5 hours a week, get your 5 weeks of vacation and make sure your ass will never be fired, yeah go to Europe.

Oddly enough, one can say the exact opposite of working here.

Every american employee i've hired, was worked like a dog at their previuos jobs. Took a while to get that jaded outlook they had, and actually start enjoying their work. Wasn't easy.

the 3rd world is a different scenario. They wish to work long hours so they can afford the essentials.

 

[foreigngirl]

If I saw 50% of my paycheck instantly pissed away on mediocre healthcare and social programs, along with another 15% paid on 65% tax fuel, I wouldnt want to work for shit either.

It depends on the country. I dont remember my moms 50% of her paycheck going on healthcare. But yeah - the gas is terribly overpriced and every time it goes up, everything gets more expensive

 

[heatherrae]

I guess I am a big "security" type of person. I would rather be secure that I will have the essentials of life than the potential to be very wealthy or, if things go wrong, destitute. In my life, I have lived on both ends of the spectrum. If Europe offers more security, I think I would rather have that sort of work, even if it means half of my check going to health care. At least I always know I have healthcare that way. Hell, I don't know. I just remember being a kid and having to go hungry sometimes, and I sure as hell don't want to revisit that scenario in my lifetime.

 

[dognutz]

Yep, my old Asian boss judged everyone by how long they sat and did nothing in their office and what time they showed up for work. If you showed up at 7 a.m. and left at 7 p.m. you were considered a great worker. If you were twice as productive but did the 9-5 thing you sucked. IN one meeting he said "Company first, family second, work weekend if you must" I said by.

 

[foreigngirl]

I guess I am a big "security" type of person. I would rather be secure that I will have the essentials of life than the potential to be very wealthy or, if things go wrong, destitute. In my life, I have lived on both ends of the spectrum. If Europe offers more security, I think I would rather have that sort of work, even if it means half of my check going to health care. At least I always know I have healthcare that way. Hell, I don't know. I just remember being a kid and having to go hungry sometimes, and I sure as hell don't want to revisit that scenario in my lifetime.

I just did a simple comparing with the people that own, lets say a store (wether it is clothing or food, it doesnt matter). The owners here in US work 7 days a week. The ones in my country have the store open 5 days a week, the normal hours, Saturday is half day (like 10am-3pm) and Sundays they are closed. There is exceptions of course

 

[Raptorex]

Holy Jumpin Jehosafats! Is that you, MM? SWOLE!

Lol, thanks - yup that's moi. Did Jehosafats really jump?

 

[Falklands]

I want to move to Europe or Australia someday. USA is turning into a shithole.

Australians are lazy as sht. Clock in on time and you get a prize!!! Do more than the minimum and you win employee of the month.

 

[pintoca]

did I mention 50% of my salary I never see?

 

[stilleto]

Well, thanks for calling me good looking, I guess. I'm not materialistic. I used to be the one who worked all night and on weekends. It was making me pretty crazy. So, I have done my share of hard work.

Anyway, on materialism, I chose a really simple Ford Fusion to drive because I get a discount because my Dad retired from Ford. I'm generally not very flashy, wear little jewelry, etc. The only thing that I really splurge on is clothing, makeup, and other girly type stuff. My man isn't all that flashy, either. He drives an old Dodge Ram pick-up, and has a modest home.

Just to clarify. ;-)

WHAT ABOUT THE YACHT?! WILL SOMEBODY *PLEASE* THINK ABOUT THE YACHT???

 

[manny78]

did I mention 50% of my salary I never see?

That sucks bro. That's pure "legalized" theft.

 

[dullboy]

Australians are lazy as sht. Clock in on time and you get a prize!!! Do more than the minimum and you win employee of the month.

dullboys experience is that australians identifiy themselves by their passions and hobbies, rather than what they do for a living. americans, vice versa.

for instance, if you meet an aussie a coctail party and ask them what they "do", they'll start babbling about surfing or traveling or something.

when you ask an american what they "do", they'll start babbling about their chosen profession.

 

[dullboy]

europe (specifically nations like italy) is fucked in the future.

low birthrates + aging population + social contracts + will doom europe.

 

[perkele]

In terms of hours. Even worse if you add in traffic.

The average employee starting in a company receives five weeks paid time immediately. The *average* workweek is 37 hours.

Why do US corporations reward people who work 16 hour days even though that person may only be getting 6-8 hours of actual work done. Being at your office 24/7 seems to be the key to recognition these days, not productivity. Taking pride in a job well done is secondary to glorifying 16 hour work days.

I think it's cuz most European countries are mostly socialist. They value people. North America is mostly capitalist. It values money and profit; with little care of the human employee.

Unsurpringly enough - americans bitch more about their jobs, and are unhappy, then their european counterparts.

Throughout my career - i've done shit good and fast. Not stretch things out. Some places i was heralded, some places it just got me more work. Only in America.

I wish MTSW was here

We may have quite a few of those here too.

 

[UA_Iron]

France has so many labor laws/regulations that it stifles productivity.

 

[pintoca]

WHAT ABOUT THE YACHT?! WILL SOMEBODY *PLEASE* THINK ABOUT THE YACHT???

I'd like to buy a T and an H please?

A couple of E as well.

thx

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

btw, for people here, work is simply a mean, not a goal. They (at least the German) value about anything more than the time they spend on work-related activities.

Of course there are exceptions, but as a society, they concentrate on their work, do what they have to do, care about quality but that is it.

Germans come to the office to work, not to make friends, they come in, do their thang and leave

The corporate bigwigs over there though are primarily identical to in the States- ie long hours, stress, etc. It's mainly the working class that benefits the most from Germany's economic structure. Although perhaps less in terms of money than overall job satisfaction.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

I want to move to Europe or Australia someday. USA is turning into a shithole.

But we have all this cool stuff!!


Seriously though, America needs to slow itself down before it burns itself out. People have to learn patience here more than anything because the faster everything gets the shittier everything eventually turns out.....people's attitudes, attention spans, patience, health, quality (auto industry is a prime example), etc). America is like a big capitalistic furnace that's been in need of some major cleaning for a long time. The thermostat needs to be lowered to more reasonable temperatures as well.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Yeah, I like it. Mine is beige, and he makes fun of me that I don't want/need a sexier car. He says the "old lady car" doesn't fit my personality...lol.

In Michigan? My dad worked at the plant in Louisville, Ky. He is retired now. All he does is hunt and camp now. LOL.

The truck plant. If Ford ever went under that'd be the last one to close for real.

Sorry FG

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

If you want to be shocked, look at the average weekly hours worked in Asian countries...twice that of Europe in some cases.

Mad with competition, while Europe sits contently and says, "Meh." Who's happier here?

 

[biteme]

I'm gonna tetire young and move to a place with a low cost of living.

 

[biteme]

I think that Americans value themselves first and foremost on how successful they are in their careers and material possessions. It is an ego thing (esp. for men, I think) to be the hard-driving gung-ho guy who works all those hours and gets all the recognition. Europeans are a little more well-balanced and sane than we are...lol.

I should have been born in Europe.

 

[foreigngirl]

The truck plant. If Ford ever went under that'd be the last one to close for real.

Sorry FG

The mustang plant in Flat Rock i snot doing that bad....for now The only bad thing is lazy people taking advantage of the Union. Thats gonna take Ford to the shitter

 

[msam76]

They must be smarter than americans...

 

[Razorguns]

Here's matt's reply. I think it's a good reply and worth posting here :

"Thanks razor. It comes down to a few things.

USA has much lower unemployment. Germany and France have double digit unemployments rates USA has under 5%.

Don't kid yourself into thinking that US corporations are more, or less, humanitarian than European governments. How well are France and Germany treating immigrants? Answer: like shit. Ask the Turks in Germany. The US actually treats immigrants much better. (Some say too well)

Holland now has an idea that women who receive a university education who decide to stay at home and raise children should now pay back their educations.


The american system is about private power and private profits. This can be a very harsh place to work and live. But the European model is filled with drawbacks - particularly the unemployment rate, the higher tax code, and the reality that universtiy education is "free" if you qualify.

Furthermore, healthcare overseas is a line item in an annual budget, so the availability of procedures is at the discretion of political leaders.

To me, the most telling statistic in that the USA has more immigrants per year than every other country in the world combined. People vote with their feet; I'm not the only one who thinks the USA's system is the best on Earth. "

 

[Spanky11]

Australians are lazy as sht. Clock in on time and you get a prize!!! Do more than the minimum and you win employee of the month.

,

careful

 

[manny78]

Here's matt's reply. I think it's a good reply and worth posting here :

"Thanks razor. It comes down to a few things.

USA has much lower unemployment. Germany and France have double digit unemployments rates USA has under 5%.

Don't kid yourself into thinking that US corporations are more, or less, humanitarian than European governments. How well are France and Germany treating immigrants? Answer: like shit. Ask the Turks in Germany. The US actually treats immigrants much better. (Some say too well)

Holland now has an idea that women who receive a university education who decide to stay at home and raise children should now pay back their educations.


The american system is about private power and private profits. This can be a very harsh place to work and live. But the European model is filled with drawbacks - particularly the unemployment rate, the higher tax code, and the reality that universtiy education is "free" if you qualify.

Furthermore, healthcare overseas is a line item in an annual budget, so the availability of procedures is at the discretion of political leaders.

To me, the most telling statistic in that the USA has more immigrants per year than every other country in the world combined. People vote with their feet; I'm not the only one who thinks the USA's system is the best on Earth. "

BANNED !

 

[dullboy]

apropos of this:

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsa...2_RTRUKOC_0_US-ECONOMY-GDP.xml&src=rss&rpc=23

 

[heatherrae]

You are not allowed to use the "apropos" in a thread. Please edit. ;-)

 

[dullboy]

You are not allowed to use the "apropos" in a thread. Please edit. ;-)

please sit down on a mirror and report back to dullboy with the details.

dullboy makes good points and you know it.

 

[pintoca]

Here's matt's reply. I think it's a good reply and worth posting here :

"Thanks razor. It comes down to a few things.

USA has much lower unemployment. Germany and France have double digit unemployments rates USA has under 5%.

Don't kid yourself into thinking that US corporations are more, or less, humanitarian than European governments. How well are France and Germany treating immigrants? Answer: like shit. Ask the Turks in Germany. The US actually treats immigrants much better. (Some say too well)

Holland now has an idea that women who receive a university education who decide to stay at home and raise children should now pay back their educations.


The american system is about private power and private profits. This can be a very harsh place to work and live. But the European model is filled with drawbacks - particularly the unemployment rate, the higher tax code, and the reality that universtiy education is "free" if you qualify.

Furthermore, healthcare overseas is a line item in an annual budget, so the availability of procedures is at the discretion of political leaders.

To me, the most telling statistic in that the USA has more immigrants per year than every other country in the world combined. People vote with their feet; I'm not the only one who thinks the USA's system is the best on Earth. "

lol

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Here's matt's reply. I think it's a good reply and worth posting here :

"Thanks razor. It comes down to a few things.

USA has much lower unemployment. Germany and France have double digit unemployments rates USA has under 5%.

Don't kid yourself into thinking that US corporations are more, or less, humanitarian than European governments. How well are France and Germany treating immigrants? Answer: like shit. Ask the Turks in Germany. The US actually treats immigrants much better. (Some say too well)

Holland now has an idea that women who receive a university education who decide to stay at home and raise children should now pay back their educations.


The american system is about private power and private profits. This can be a very harsh place to work and live. But the European model is filled with drawbacks - particularly the unemployment rate, the higher tax code, and the reality that universtiy education is "free" if you qualify.

Furthermore, healthcare overseas is a line item in an annual budget, so the availability of procedures is at the discretion of political leaders.

To me, the most telling statistic in that the USA has more immigrants per year than every other country in the world combined. People vote with their feet; I'm not the only one who thinks the USA's system is the best on Earth. "

The biggest reason so many immigrants are taking American jobs is because they know how to work. Americans are often lazier than their immigrant counterparts. They also complain more in general. (Blaming MTV is completely viable.....that station literally rots the attitudes and minds of kids with their far left communistic bullshit). Immigrants will pretty much always be available to take the jobs Americans don't want, including higher-up positions if given an education.
So, is overlooking the fact that a lot of them are illegal ok as long as productivity is ever increasing? It seems this is the line we're teetering on right now.

 

[heatherrae]

please sit down on a mirror and report back to dullboy with the details.

dullboy makes good points and you know it.

I sat on the mirror. Mirror broke. Glass in ass. Details at 11.

 

[Spartacus]

I sat on the mirror. Mirror broke. Glass in ass. Details at 11.

call me Jane

 

[Spartacus]

Jane Blond