Has our country (USA) become "anti-family"
By wmaharper
@wmaharper (2316)
United States
January 29, 2007 4:39pm CST
It seems to me that the business world in America has become anti family. In order to make it ahead in any company, you have to be willing to sacrifice that which is most dear to you, your family and your time with them. Many companies expect too much from thier employees, expecting them to be at every meeting, and to work overtime whenever they ask. They expect them to come running at the drop of a hat, to fufill thier duties, while paying them just enough to keep them there. HAs anyone else seen this in thier jobs? My husband has been a store manager for some time, but found that they were askign too much of him, so he just got a new job, making about the same money, but a much better schedule where he can be with the kids more. We have some friends, where he worked at a corporate office, but never saw his kids, so he asked to be demoted.. have you ever done this? what do you think? do you think companies and business ask too much?
2 responses
@GardenGerty (157555)
• United States
30 Jan 07
I think we have handed over the power in our lives to our employers. We are too afraid to stand up for what we want and need , out of fear of losing income or a postition. Until we start drawing the line, setting our personal boundaries, and standing up for them, we will continue to be at their beck and call. Congrats to your husband and to you. Good luck.
@wmaharper (2316)
• United States
30 Jan 07
I think you are right, we are so scared of losing a dollar, that we will sacrifice that which is priceless our family time. Until We decide that our families are more important, business and corporate America will continue the way it has been. Because why would they keep you, when they can get John Smith down the road, who is divorced and never sees his kids, and won't mind putting in 60 hours a week, b/c he has noone to go home to. Thanks for your comment!
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
29 Jan 07
I haven't seen this trend in businesses in Australia. In fact, I've seen large companies supplying child care facilities to enable women to work, and activities organised for family get-togethers. While it could be happening, it is not so where my sons or friends work or anywhere I know of.
On the other hand, we face a different threat aginst the family unit.
Our governments, while vocally praising the family unit, setting good examples of family life, and appearing to support it as the centre of life, pass legislation to destroy the family.
It seems that parents are losing the right to be responsible for their own children. If parents refuse their young (under legal age) daughters permission to have their boyfriends for a sleep-over (yes, sharing a bed) the government gives the girl the right, and financial aid, to move out of home. The girl gets social security payments. Young girls who become pregnant get a $4000 "baby bonus" and continuing help. Numerous girls have said on TV that they did it to get the money.
It seems that all children have to do is to tell a teacher or ring an 1800 number that they have been hit or told they can't do something and the children's services department will "investigate" and remove the child and/or take action against the parents. Parents are criticised if they stop their children from going out to discos etc. Children have "rights"
Parents - good, decent, honest parents, not abusive ones - who want to give their children a moral and sound upbringing, are being denied that right.
@wmaharper (2316)
• United States
30 Jan 07
That is sad, that the government itself is turning against the family unit, although it does not surprise me. Family is simply unimportant to many people, it amazes me how a man can have children with 3 different woman, and think nothing of it. I have never heard of the "baby bonus" and hope it does not catch on here in the states, as I fear it would have the same result, teens getting pregnant to have the money. Children of this age are not mature enough to handle the desicions that come along with parenting, but will thrust themselves into that position in order to have the money I'm sure. Yes, I think that social services have too much power, in that a child can simply make an allegation against thier parents and the parents rights be revoked. On the other hand, as we both know, there are real situations, where someone NEEDS to get involved to protect the children. We need to find a more balanced approach than we have now.
Thank you for your thoughtful response!
