The Work-Life Imbalance: A Historical Perspective

The use of digital technology reinforces the extractive and automated biases of industrialism.

The pandemic has shown that our work life does not improve our lives, but rather represses us.

Throughout history, there has been a shift from working few hours to working long hours for survival.

🔑 The work ethic was originally tied to religious salvation and required dedicating one's life to a specialized occupation.

🌍 The transition from feudalism to capitalism led to a shift towards valuing people based on their utility value and selling time as a commodity.

💼 The rise of consumerism and advertising has led to a sense of alienation and a focus on material possessions to fill the void left by community and connection.

🌍 The economy is causing the destruction of our planet and human life.

😰 Stress is a serious issue, exacerbated by modern capitalism and work culture.

⏰ The pressure to do more in less time has taken over our lives.

🔑 In today's society, there is a constant pressure to be more productive and consume more, leading to a cycle of work, earn, spend.

💼 Work has a colonizing effect on our free time, leaving us with little time for leisure and personal fulfillment.

🌐 Digital technology and automation, rather than freeing up more time, have increased inequality and work-related stress.

People work too much because they have to earn a living.

Reducing the working week would have a positive impact on the climate and improve the human aspect.

Universal Basic Income could provide economic security and freedom to pursue leisure activities.

🏠🌍💻 Affordable housing, renewable energy, public transport, and wifi are important factors that allow people to live safely and work fewer hours.

⏰💭 Time to think is essential for freedom and distributive justice. Policies should be introduced to ensure everyone receives their fair share of free time.

📈🌍🚫 GDP as a measure of success is flawed, as it excludes important elements like environment, health, and poverty. We need a different economic system driven by collective action.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 During the pandemic, families had to make difficult decisions between work and home, sacrificing time with loved ones.

👥 Essential workers, often overlooked and undervalued, are the ones who keep the country running.

⏰ Work is seen as a practical necessity for survival, but it reduces the opportunity for human connection.

🌍 By reducing economic activity and prioritizing social connection, we can live a richer and more fulfilling life while addressing ecological collapse.

💫 Everyone has intrinsic value and worth, regardless of their economic contributions.