Work Hours vs. Quality of Life (Essay Sample)

Work Hours vs. Quality of Life
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Work Hours vs. Quality of Life
When it comes to the comparison of Europe and America in terms of work versus the quality of life, the differences are enormous. One has to be on the fence of this discussion to effectively override the mutual criticisms that emerge from both sides of the cultures. Europeans think that the capitalistic American workplace has lost footing and that it is continually progressing to a potential catastrophic destination. On the other hand, Americans observe that Europeans have little or no creative aspirations. Mainly, they are thought to lack objectivity, adaptability, productivity and enthusiasm. In short, Europe is observed to be ‘stagnant’ in comparison to their American counterparts who criticize such conservatism in the current globalized world.
Evidently, American and European ways and culture differ completely. However, each of their qualities, either workplace culture or quality of life make one better. First, Americans are work oriented. Everyone in the country has hopes and aspirations of making it big in the society. According to Obama (2006), working in the States is the way of life. The pursuit of abundance, wealth and success dictate their attainment of happiness. Ideally, the normal working hours in America are eight. However, people, in pursuit of success and better future have to struggle working day shifts and evening/night shifts to make this happen. At least 60% of middle class Americans and the lower class have more than one job (Obama, 2006). This tendency itself ruins the quality of life, hence making them seek spiritual solace.
Americans work longer hours and more jobs compared to Europeans. They are more cultivated to work towards achieving the American dream than Europeans who seem to be self-satisfied with the little they have. In addition, on average, Europeans take longer holidays compared to their counterparts throughout the year (Redal, 2012). Further, unemployment rates are greater in European countries and lower in America. The US government is good at creating jobs to keep its citizens busy at all times. Also, being unemployed in America for a long time may be stressful since one losses unemployment rights and benefits, which may complicate one’s life.
However, one may think that Americans benefit for all the work they do. Life in the US is significantly high maintenance and very few Americans make it after trying hard. Being the mother of capitalism, the US is the perfect example where majority enjoy nothing while minority enjoy everything. In the workplace salary hierarchy, top managers earn more than other workers in over 400:1 ratio, including assets. This is not the case in Europe. Britain, being the highest, compares with the ratio of about 24:1, which is considerable lower and considerate (Redal, 2012). Until Obama care, more than 50 million of Americans did not have health insurance. As a matter of fact, Lott (2008) notes that the rich minority have forcefully fought Obama care because they feel burdened by their contributions, yet they do not consider the work done by the majority who enjoy it.
As a result of this, the quality of life in Europe is way better than it is in the land of opportunities, America. Compared to Europeans, Americans lead shorter lives and their children die young. According to Wexler (2007), the US is among the top 30 countries leading in infant mortality. This happens despite the millions of dollars invested in healthcare. On top of that, the US investment in education is also failing terribly. Although the country has the best research facilities and universities in the world, European children still tend to perform better in both numeracy and literacy.
Europeans work less and enjoy life more than Americans do. Their quality of life is also better according to Benahold (2004). Due to the urgency Americans have in a day, they lack the opportunity to eat well. Most of them end up in fast food restaurants, or shop quick foods to consume late after work. Due to this, over 70% of American adults are overweight, and 40% of them obese (Wexler, 2007). Compared to Americans, Europeans work less and have much time to spare in a day. Europeans, unlike their counterparts with big cars, walk and bike to and from their places of work. Biking i...