Thank you for the comment Cathie!

Thanks so much for the comment! I entirely agree with what you’re saying, especially the part about people needing to be content. I’m married to a Spaniard, and her family (and I think Europeans in general) have a slightly different idea of what comfort and success look like than Americans do. They don’t all expect to have multiple houses, multiple cars, and some of the constantly ‘bigger and better’ things that we do. I completely agree that people need to learn when enough is enough, and to not continuously be looking for more.

However, my goal with my article was to discuss a different angle for people to think about. There has been a lot written about “lazy and entitled” people who don’t want to work hard, are just taking government benefits, etc. The last part of your comment was in line with those thoughts, and I don’t disagree that they are valid thoughts; there are those people out there. But there are ALSO people who are looking for work that feels meaningful, that provides a real sense of community and contribution, and I believe that companies often overlook the importance of that kind of thing. Salary and benefits is a powerful way to attract and retain good employees, but it isn’t the only way. I’m trying to argue that if you only think about the financial element of what you’re offering to your employees, you’re missing an important piece of the overall puzzle.

I hope that makes sense. Thanks again for sharing!

Thoughtful article. But I came up with something else as I listened to the radio on the way to work this morning… Why would anyone want to go to work when radio and TV announcers bash work all day and marketing promos blast us all day with: we need a better house, a better car, a better job, etc. The negative messages in advertising are sowing discontent in people for everything! It doesn’t always have to be bigger and better. WE NEED TO BE CONTENT sometimes and slow and steady like the turtle we win the race. Yep, I’m old fashioned but old fashioned built this country and I’m not seeing a lot of building going on right now – just lots of malingering and complaining. I work in manufacturing and without people willing to work, this alone is driving up inflation for ALL of us (higher wages paid/less goods produced due to no workers/ what goods produced are priced higher/ etc). Our company has always paid above minimum and above market, offered stable work and necessary and customary benefits without a lot of bells and whistles. We are employed to WORK, its a job. Work done well is gone. Just felt the need to share because your articles are thoughtful. Have a great day!