The Culture of Work: Should Everyone Be Working Hard?
The notion that "everyone should be working hard" has long been a cornerstone of many work cultures, often tied to concepts of productivity, meritocracy, and economic growth. However, comparing the returns of an additional workday for a lower-level employee versus a CEO highlights deep inequities and raises important questions about the sustainability of this philosophy. 1. Unequal Returns on Effort Lower-level Employee : For many, "working hard" translates directly into additional income but at a significant personal cost. One extra day might yield $100–$200, but it comes at the expense of time with family, personal development, or rest. Moreover, the financial gains often do little to alter their long-term financial stability. CEO : While the idea of a CEO working "harder" is often romanticized, the reality is that their additional efforts can lead to returns in the thousands or millions of dollars, not just...
