Now people want to work from home. They say it's more efficient. They can stay in bed till mid-day and pretend to be busy in their pyjamas. (Doing what?)
Those that turn up at the office want to dress casually. No more three-piece pin-striped suits as in my days. They want to be in T shirt, shorts and flip flop sandals. It's more relaxed they say. Personally, I think flip flops and bikinis are more suited to the beach rather than an office in the City.
I remember the trend starting about working from home and being more "eco-friendly" towards the planet. I hate that term which is often used to hide a personal advantage to yourself rather than caring one hoot for the environment, or global warming, or future generations.
The argument was put to me that working from home would save everyone commuting to London by train, bus, car or motorcycle. Think of all the energy that would be saved. Less gas, less pollution, less traffic on the roads ... less work !!!
If I gave way to their demands I'd be the only one commuting to London and sitting in an empty office block talking to myself. (Which I often do in my family).
The door-keepers and security guys wanted to work from home. Don't ask me how, but that's what they wanted. Also the restaurant staff, (cooks, waitresses, cashiers etc...), all wanted to work from home. It didn't occur to any of them that if we all worked from home we would not need security or restaurant staff. But then, in those days thinking was not in fashion; very much as it isn't today.
Can you imagine if everyone worked from home? You ring for a taxi and the taxi driver gives you instructions on how you can drive yourself to where you want to go; or walk if you have no car.
You ring for a plumber or electrician and they tell you how to mend it yourself.
What if doctors worked from home? No, that wouldn't happen. They would not want you to interrupt their football on TV. They'd probably answer the phone and tell you if you do not feel any better in three months time then ring again.
What if postmen and all delivery staff worked from home? They'd phone you and you go to their home to collect your letter or parcel. Amazon and such like would save a fortune on deliveries. Same for pizza deliveries and other food deliveries. I may be on to some bright business idea here.
And another thing about today's work shy society. Why can't people be more precise and punctual with their appointments? Only this week I have had utility type people like electricians, builders and the like, tell me that they will arrive between 1:00pm and 6:00pm. That's five hours I'll have to stay at home watching football on TV waiting for them to arrive. And they were late.
An electrician who advertised that he is always punctual told me he'll be calling between 20:25 and 20:30.
That's five years I'll be waiting for him to change a light bulb!
Your reflections bring a clear, grounded perspective on how work and discipline have shifted over time. There’s something to be said for the structure and dedication that marked earlier days, where commitment wasn’t optional but expected. It’s important to balance progress with respect for the values that built our work ethic.
ReplyDeletewww.melodyjacob.com
Amen. God bless, Melody.
Delete...between 20:25 and 20:30 on what day?
ReplyDeleteDidn't say!
DeleteGod bless, Tom.
Hello Victor: It is amazing how so many do not take pride in their work, the ones that want to not leave the house to get to work, the ones who cut corners just to get finished early, it's a shame that the world is a bit like that. I loved going to work traveling the five state area with cardiologist and patients. I transported patients for 23 years, only called in sick 7 times and cancelled 6 runs due to bad roads, my parents told us to be faithful and dedicated to our work routines, I am so happy to be retired now.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Man and God now love it.
Catherine
It is sad to see the whole work ethos of this generation has changed. It's as if people have given up hope and just don't care any more. No loyalty to their employers; and employers have no loyalty towards their employees.
DeleteThank you for reading my book, Catherine. Please let me know what you think of it when you've finished. God bless you always, my friend.
Do you think that people who stay home don't have pride in their work? And people who go in do? I do agree with you tho about that it is signs of the time.
ReplyDeleteNo, not always, Sandie. When I worked in London I often worked from home. If anything I worked longer hours and was often on the computer late at night writing reports. My work was managerial and project based and I had to be on-call at all hours. However, I do believe people should also attend at the office, (properly dressed), because they can then confer with colleagues, discuss and learn from each other. A team cannot work in isolation, in my experience. I had to get my team together frequently to check on progress and direction. These days, many think they can work from home permanently.
DeleteGod bless, Sandie.
Applauding from the wings, Victor! Call me old fashioned, but I long for the days when people felt privileged to have a good job and took pride in their work. Their attire, too!
ReplyDeleteStandards have changed, and not for the better, Mevely. Can you imagine all the hotel staff working from home? Nursing staff too? I once had to go to hospital for a blood sample. I asked the nurse why can't she take the blood sample by computer link whilst I'm at home. She said she'll check with her boss if that can be done. I think one of us was thick but I'm not sure who.
DeleteThese days with AI, computers and robotics many people will lose their jobs. Our supermarkets here are encouraging customers to self-check-out their goods and pay for them; thus eliminating the cashiers.
A pizza restaurant recently opened will accept your order on the phone then they will eat the pizza on your behalf; thus saving costs on delivery.
God bless, Mevely. Bon appetit.
Ohhhhh. I totally agree with all of this....I might add that I do not know why even Doctors are not more precise with being on time. I understand if there is an emergency, but when your doctor repeatedly has you wait an hour sometimes longer for your set appointment, that becomes ridiculous. My husbands family owns a Pecan Nursery and employment is the hardest part of business. No one wants to work any more. Good Post...
ReplyDeleteThank you for calling again, Shug. We missed you.
DeleteI agree with you about doctor's appointments. I normally have to sit in the waiting room with other sick people for ages. I go there to be healed not catch other peoples' germs. And why is it that their newspapers and magazines in the waiting room are so old and out of date. The other day I read the headlines that a ship called Titanic had sunk.
I am becoming a proper Moaner Lisa I think. I moan all the time; but it keeps people and flies away.
God bless always, Shug. Call again soon and often.
The deteriorating work ethic alarms me, too, Victor. I'm glad that both of my grown children are willing to go to work and do their jobs. I did enjoy your light-hearted and funny approach to it, though. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteMy concern is what work ethics and attitudes will this modern generation pass on to its children.
DeleteGod bless you and your family, Martha.
Doctor appointments are the worse. Come at the appointed time and wait, wait and then get annoyed. I you are late, they charge you a fee. Crazy!!
ReplyDeleteLife is getting more difficult all the time, Bill. God bless always.
DeleteI can't complain because I have been retired for years and love it. 😊
ReplyDeleteTry phoning a plumber who will turn up within a decade.
DeleteGod bless, CM.
Life is not always easy in an ever changing world.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure my parents, and their parents, said the same thing as there were changes in their world too.
All the best Jan
The times they are a-changing.
DeleteGod bless, Jan.
It makes me glad I taught my children to work.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Mimi. God bless you and yours.
Delete