Most People Hate to Work

            “We need jobs, jobs, jobs,” is the constant political whine of the hour! The unemployment rates, along with new jobs created, are tracked daily. Unemployment is reaching record proportions, which exacerbates the already poor economy. Yes, folks are out of work, but it might be well to consider the reason why. Is it just that jobs are not available? Could the rise of “underemployment” be a contributing factor? This term describes those who have taken a cut in pay because of their company’s attempt to remain solvent. In hard economic times is it too “costly” or unreasonable for a worker to receive a few dollars less per/hr. in order to keep his job?

            What about the many jobs that are available, but are overlooked or rejected for various reasons? Is a “flipping hamburger” job too demeaning to anyone needing work? Is it not better to have a minimum wage job, than to be a “couch potato?” Is there not something to be said for the “work ethic” that exists somewhere in the human makeup?

            Is it not healthier to labor somewhere, than to live on the welfare handouts? The latter can only promote laziness and low self-confidence, conditions that already plague our society. Could it be that even if the job market exploded, that there would be that many folks interested in work? Jobs, or no jobs, does this generation really want to work? With so many “freebies” handed out by the government these days, does the idea of working for a living still have any widespread appeal? Other than those folks who have moral integrity and healthy ambition, why would anyone want to get off his “backside” and work, when he can maneuver the welfare system for his financial benefit?

            Moreover, it’s interesting that “seven out of ten workers” presently employed hate their jobs! According to a recent Gallup survey, only 30 percent of workers “were engaged, or involved in, or enthusiastic about, and committed to their workplace.” The survey classified three types of employees among the 100 million full-time workers in America. The first type, about 30 million, is “actively engaged;” the second type of worker is “not engaged,” accounting for 50 million. These folks are simply going through the motions at work.

            The third category is labeled “actively disengaged,” those who hate going to work. This describes some 20 million employees who “undermine their companies with their attitude.” Jim Harter, one of Gallup’s chief spokesmen, states that “the general consciousness about the importance of employee engagement seems to have increased in the past decade.” This is a polite way of explaining the laziness, disinterest, and general bankruptcy of integrity and ambition in the work force. What a sad commentary on a country that once prided itself on character and rugged individualism!

            There are even so-called progressives who equate work with the “curse” of capitalism. As though work is a curse! No, work is a gift from our Creator, giving direction, purpose and personal fulfillment to humans for the good of all. Surely sinful greed has done much to deter this lofty goal, but that doesn’t negate the purpose of the God-given desire to work; especially is this true when the “job” lines up with the talent, gifts, and desires of the individual. That’s when the “sweat” is taken out of work, making it a delight, rather than a chore. What a privilege to labor in work that fulfills the soul, while supplying financial stability! Yes, even that kind of job demands physical exertion; but how good it is to get tired in the work, without necessarily getting tired of the work!

Suicide and Hopelessness

            Suicides among so-called baby boomers are reaching epidemic proportions, according to a recent Washington Post article. These are the folks born at the end of World War II (1945), and are presently in the retirement range. They (“boomers”) are “killing themselves at an alarming rate, raising the question: Why?”

            The writer cites the example of Frank Turkaly, a 63 year-old retiree in Pittsburgh who attempted suicide after tiring of living on disability checks, and being estranged from friends and family; mounting credit card debt led to depression, accompanied by other physical maladies of diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. He said it wasn’t the life he envisioned as a young man, “when people were more in tune with each other; people were more prone to help each other.”

            While he regrets his attempt to overdose on tranquilizers, he blames “social isolation.” But unfortunately he is far from alone; he is part of an alarming trend among baby boomers whose suicide rates have “shot up precipitously between 1999 and 2010.” The article suggests that there are no concrete reasons for this increase. The recent economic downturn has some bearing, as it has in other generations. Some psychologists and academics suggest a “complex matrix of issues particular to a generation that vowed not to trust anyone older than 30;” they belted out lyrics like, “I hope I die before I get old.”

            Significantly, these folks reached their prime in the Woodstock era (late 60s & 70s) when rebellion was rampant. Heavy metal music and the birth-control pill sparked a sexual revolution. The economy was flourishing, and many young adults embraced new life-styles, like civil rights activists, hippies, feminists, and war protesters. Parental authority and family life were thrown to the wind. People moved across the country, losing family connections and creating weak marital ties. Multiple divorces were not uncommon. Mid-life years were riddled with disillusionment and depression because of anticipated dreams that were thwarted; this new “freedom” proved to be disappointing and unfruitful. What they thought was a new “revelation” of super-existence and success, turned out to be a “bummer,” promoting a “fantasy island” mentality.

            This was the era of “change” from which we’ve not recovered. Although not perfect, the social and financial solidarity of the 50s was soon to be lost. The removal of the Bible and prayer from public life had a profound impact on the character and philosophy of our populace, particularly our young people. The moral (or immoral) revolution paid its toll, and the rest is history. The seeds of selfishness and rebellion were sown prolifically, and now the harvest is coming in. The “if it feels good, do it” mentality has led to a dead end!

            We were put here for a purpose other than seeking pleasure and wealth. There’s no meaning for life apart from the One who gave it. Every manufacturer supplies a manual with his product. So God gave us a Manual to clue us in on who we are, and how we should function in this world. It also deals with fixing “dysfunction,” and how to prepare for the next life; in turn, that equips us to live now. One intriguing statement it makes is, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul” (The Bible).

            Just recently a younger Brooklyn couple who hosted a monthly “self-help” radio show, killed themselves in their apartment. Lynne Rosen, 46, and John Littig, 48, committed suicide by “placing plastic bags over their heads and inhaling helium.” Their show was called “The Pursuit of Happiness.”

            The reader can make the judgment call here. Did they find or exemplify the “happiness” which they proclaimed? What was their modus operandi, or formula for making it through this treacherous world in a sane manner? What was their definition of “success?” Just asking!

            Never have we had so much in our country, and never have we had so little! We can text and talk with others in mini-seconds, even though we have nothing important to say. Never has there been more speaking and less communication. The boomers, and others, have attempted to master their own destinies, rejecting and ignoring the Manual which alone offers purpose and hope. Only a right relationship with our Creator can secure future hope, and thus promote true “happiness” during this earthly journey.