The philosophy of work issue

When describing the Philosophy of work, we all have different ways of what we consider work ethic to be. This essay will share with you the examples of work ethics from authors and articles, but also the example to me and my experiences of work ethic within my family.

With my personal experience I have learned and valued work. The philosophy of work to me is sacrificing your time for your job, working overtime so you can make money and support your family. From early on in my family my father and mother have always taught me that work is doing what you love. That first applied to me when I got my first job and my family encouraged me to stay with it. I applied to Steak and Shake and got the job. After working for 50 hours a week, and learning new skills every day, I learned the value of work and it changed by perception of work. I before believed work was boring, and like my parents, only do the job that you love. But I soon realized that, in perception, work to me is about the money. Getting that paycheck makes me happy, because that gave me a sense of gratitude knowing to myself that I made and earned that money, and no one can take that away from me. I have always seen work as a learning tool, so I can achieve my dreams.

The first essay and article I read had a different way of reviewing the philosophy of work. Lars Eibner’s Dumpster Diving describes to the world and the reader that work is what makes you happy in life. “ I am a rather accomplished needle worker. I get a lot of materiel from the Dumpsters.” (Egbner, LaraDumpster Diving, Fawecett Columbine 1993) The statement provides us with a reason to others philosophy of work. In this article Lara gives us an insight to those who value work that society is quick to look down on. A woman who was having hard times decided to live differently. She explains how dumpster diving is different from society deemed work. “ Dumpster diving is outdoor work, often surprisingly pleasant.” (Egbner, LaraDumpster Diving, Fawecett Columbine 1993)Work to Lara is the potential one has at doing what is needed. This is a different view to that work to some, is the ability to get by.

Philip Levine the son of Russian Jewish immigrants described a different kind of work. He describes in a way that is not known to the middle class or top 1%. This work is a story of the working poor of America. “ You know what work is-if you’re old enough to read this you know what work is although you may not do it.” (Levine, Phillip What Work Is 1991) This type of work can be considered real work. Laborers, people out in the world working through sweat and dirt and working long hours. The type most teenagers and even parents in today’s world would not consider. Laziness. They don’t see work as a person sweating or being tired after a long day. Today’s youth see it as a quick fix where you can be rich after a few years. But Mr. Levine reminds us that his philosophy of work is the need to have work and keep it. Not doing what you love, but the strive to actually get a job and keep it. The struggle to find a job. The plight of jo searchers. I am not so quick to look down on the unemployed. Now I realize how hard it is to find a job, and how grateful I should be to have one.

“ Happily, though, my fears turn out to be entirely unwarranted: during a month of poverty and toil, no one recognizes my face or my name, which goes unnoticed and for the most part unuttered. In this parallel universe where my father never got out of the mines and I never got through college, I am “ baby,” “ honey,” “ blondie,” and, most commonly, “ girl.” (Ehrenreich, Barbara Nickel and Dime On Not Getting By In America 2004) To describe Barbara’s philosophy of work would be to acknowledge how tough work is for low income individuals. The plight of the working poor. This philosophy is working hard is never enough. Barbara teaches us what it is to have a job but not have one. The inability to pay your bills on minimum wage. The waitress making $4. 75 an hour to feed her kids at home. These individuals needed hope and Barbara gave it to them, by becoming one of them. She never knew what it’s like to be poor, so she decided to experience it for herself. This type of work is not enjoyment, or want, it’s a need to survive in this world. A need that is not meant for low wage earners. In comparisons to the other author and their stories we come to realize work is a burden. 70-hour work week leaves one exhausted and unable to live. I learned a lesson from her. I learned that I shouldn’t look down at those who make less and who seem low. Because they do work hard every day at what they do, and its time I lend a helping hand to them, so they can get out of the stress work creates.

In conclusion, the philosophy of work is different for each individual. It is tiresome, rewarding or a burden. But it can teach one a lesson of discipline, and community. Its now what you do in work, it’s what you make out of it, and how you apply it to life.