human rat race...

our stress levels are surely at an all time high.... it didnt used to be like this 30 years ago or even as short as 10 years ago... it appears society is heading in the wrong direction.

 

The continual increase in the use of technology and it's overall improvement are big big reason why, imo.

Everyone wants everything done NOW NOW NOW. We all want instant gratification, no matter the cost.

 

I left home yesterday without my blackberry. While in traffic, i constantly kept looking at where i usually leave it to see if i had any messages. I even heard it ringing eventhough it wasnt there...


Its pretty ****ed up ..

 

I get phantom vibrations when my BB is not on my side.

Also, I'm not making this up, I think my brain senses the signal before my BB goes off. I'll reach for it before it starts to vibrate.

 

I'm also a victim of the phantom ring - picking up my BB to look for a call and I swear I heard it ringing. I was on a trip once and when I was really tired it kept happening over and over again. I must have looked like I had OCD.

What has happened is that technology turning a 4-hour process (say, research and writing a document) into a 1hr process, and now people expect 16 hours of work in 4 hours, and to only pay you for 4 hours. This is a difficulty in law where clients often say, "This shouldn't take you as long, because you already have done it and have your documents in Word and just have to edit them..." Yeah, but when I spent TWENTY HOURS writing it the first time, it wouldn't really be smart (or fair) for me to charge the first guy $5000 and then give you a revised version of the contract for $350.

I've mentioned here before that many days I actually wish I could go back to the early-mid 90s before I had a cell phone or used the internet/computer for 6-12hrs a day. Read "The Four Hour Work Week" and it will only make you more eager to be intentionally disconnected.

 

This is one of the greatest contributors to our societies eventual demise. This is a far greater threat then global warming or nuclear weapons.

I decided to get out a few years ago. Ive always been self employed and I used to feel that I was 'lucky' that I had clients that wanted me and to turn something down was a slap in their face...I grew up poor so I also felt like it could all be taken away from me at any moment so I had to keep running as fast as i could because the gravy train might end one day.

When I was in my late 20s I started having panic attacks and constant anxiety. I was running a $3.5m business with 20 employees and no college education or mentor to guide me. I would pop zanax like candy and I would go out to 'unwind' far too frequently...I was on a bad course. One day i had the mother of all panic attacks and actually passed out from lack of oxygen as my GF drove to the hospital.

After that scare I learned to pace myself and be selective about how many projects I take on at once. These days I can work 2 weeks out of every month and still retain a very comfortable lifestyle. Sometimes I DO feel like putting in crazy hours but I do it because I want to not because I feel I need to. I know that when that projects done I can take an entire week off to relax and work on personal hobbies if i want. I dont HAVE to go to work.

Most days i get up...answer emails, hit the treadmill then the pool. I work for a while then go to lunch with a friend or two. Come back maybe hit the pool again and work into the night (Im more a night person).

I also rarely answer my cell phone. People can leave a message and I will call them back at my convenience...theres NO business issue that cant wait 24 hours (thankfully Im not a lawyer or a doc). If its an emergency people know to send me a text and I will get back to them immediately.

I know some of the hardcore Type A personalities will think Im foolish but hey...I used to be one of you and Im much happier these days.

 

I have often thought about this topic.

With technology we also have more control over our lives.
I have my cell with me 24-7, which would seem stressful, however when it is not ringing I know no one out there is in need of me and I am free. When I don't have my phone with me on rare occassions I wonder if soemone is trying to get me and can't.

I think there were stressed out people many years ago...I think the difference is now we have this expectation to succeed and separate ourselves fromt he crowd, not as much about community and building barns together like that great scene in the Harrison Ford movie, "Witness." A shame really. Are we that much better off than 500 years ago? I know there is less pain and suffering thanks to modern medicine, but apart from that has the overall quality of life for a human being really advanced much compared to small village life in 1700?

I also wonder if this is more a USA problem than Europe. People here are quick to be critical of European lifestyles, socialism, etc. I used to spend every other summer as kid inEngland ahve family and friends there now....they don't worry as much about the future as we do. We work like crazy so we won't be poor as elderly people, not dependent on the government, because there isn't a safety net here in the US like there is in England.

I'd be interested to hear from FChatters over the pond.....

 

It's a very real phenomenon.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-06-12-cellphones_N.htm

RMX

 

My wife & I were discussing this the other day. Ahhh, the good ol' days.

When there was pay phones everywhere, sometimes having to wait for other people to finish their calls.

When only Dr's & VIP's (or those pretending to be) had beepers or cell phones the size of bricks.

When driver distractions were screaming kids and adjusting radios (analog!!!), and maybe shifting the gun on the rifle rack so it don't hit your head (remember those?). Not cell phones, texting, iPod adjustments, DVD switching for the kids in the back.......

and cursing the slowpoke in front of you, and the idiot behind you..... (thanks George Carlin)

 

No difference here. Although the safety net you mention is more dense in Europe, the human rat race still works the same as in the US. I'm not working yet, still at the University, but people complain about the same issues than everybody here in this thread - a couple of times the work compared to 10 or 20 years ago, in half the time. Especially the middle class is being hit very hard by the downsides of Globalization, with incomes staying at the same level while prices are rising and the amount of work becoming more and more.
I recently saw an interesting feature on TV, a documentary about two sisters, both in their 90s, living in the Black Forest. They've both lived their whole life there, in a small farm in a little valley. They had a tiny saw mill there, with machinery from the late 19th century, which they still operated occasionally. They lived from the fruits and vegetables they grew in their small garden, and from showing the old saw mill to tourists. Their life wasn't luxurious by any means, but both were very happy with what they had. As said, both in their 90s, very healthy from being out in the garden every day, living in the nature, clean air, no noise, no stress all their life... really makes you wonder if carrying your cellphone around 24/7 is really necessary...

 

Mine only rang to remind me how much humans got on my nerves.

Now it has a ringtone that only fish can hear.

 

That's really cool that you're able to do that Jerry.

My dad worked 100+ hours a week for years when he started his business. He only had one employee, but it was more of a business partner as they took care of their own clients. So my dad really had no choice, plus his mind would be going 24hours a day 10 days a week knowing what had to be done the next day. So he probably slept no more than 4.5-5 hours a night. I know he worked at least once with full blown flu and 102 temperature. Among other times while feeling sick.

That's one reason why I try to never make an exucse and go to work regardless how I feel. I have called in sick twice.

 

+1000 for those women.

The thing is it was probably family owned property they inherited because these days they would have had to work until they were 80 to afford buying it ! Not easy to come by anymore and THAT is one of the problems.

As kids very few of us are taught that taking it slow is even an option. We are all pushed head first into the deep end of the rat race and told those that dont join are lazy or a burden on society. We're brainwashed with images of flat screen TVs , mini mansions and Ferraris...that THIS is the goal in life. Is it ? really ? If it is its sad.

Fact is not everyone is cut out for the rat race (in fact I would guess that less than half are cut out for it) and that doesnt make them lazy.

We are born as slaves to a world we didnt choose. The idea that we're 'free' is an illusion. Sure, if you are into material things and technology then this is a great time to be around...but , if like many, you really just want a slow and simple life this is the worst time in history.

A few hundred years ago when you could wander out into the wilderness, stake a piece of land and live off it...THAT was freedom. I may sound like Im romanticizing it but Im well aware of the difficulties of living back then as well....but id still have chosen it if I could.

 

Allow me to be a slightly (ever so) dissenting voice.

I agree with all said above, to a degree. However .....

Humans manufacture our own stress and as Americans we are the VERY BEST on the planet at it. Why we live longer than most is a total mystery to me. We should all be dying at age 40, or younger.

However, stress as I said above, is SELF manufactured due to the fear of the unknown or self-doubt. How many of you have truly STRESSFUL jobs as defined and agreed to by most members here? Very, very few I'd wager.

Why do I ask that question? Stress is in the mind of the beholder. It is a totally artificial (with very REAL physiological reactions) event created in the mind of the participant.

My definition of a Stressful Job: If the performance of your job DOES NOT in involve the possible outcome of the LOSS of LIFE, limb, sight or hearing (of your co-workers or employees), you are fooling yourself and needlessly "stressing" yourself out. An F-up on your part and they are out of work is absolutely NO REAL BIG DEAL (in most cases).....REALLY.

The level of responsibility I have to my "employees" (your sons and daughters) is far beyond anything anyone here can imagine except the few who have been where I have. I am RESPONSIBLE for them (and their spouses and children) 24 hours a day, not the measly 8 hours per day you are and only for your employee. I have slept hundred's of hours under my desk as I couldn't go home, I slept with snakes, scorpions, etc., on top of mass graves, and in the middle of mine fields, the list goes on. AK-47 fire has told me it was time for my evening meeting (Thanx, 5 o'clock Charlie! I owe you a magazine or two ole buddy). If I made a wrong decision I might have had to write a letter to one of you here explaining why your child, brother or sister died. Would that be a bit stressful to you? Not so much to me anymore (but I always do feel it) as it would likely be to you. But it provides a nice and welcome stimulant to keep me "on the ball."

I am NOT in anyway trying to buff my chest (I'm better than you). Very far from it. I am trying to:

a) Tell you younger ones here that it can be wise to have a SERIOUSLY stressful job for a few years at a very young age. It helps immensely later when defining and allowing “stress” to get into your life later.

b) Show you that in most cases you do not have a REAL stress level. The sun will rise tomorrow. You can and will succeed, don't worry about it quite so much. This board is JAMMED with some of the world's best at what they do. People WILL ALWAYS seek out the experts to provide the products and services YOU GUYS AND GALS PROVIDE. Believe this and trust in yourselves. The more you trust in yourself and your employees, the less stress you have the need (right) to feel.

I am very proud to be a member here. I hang around winners. It rubs off. Hang around losers and it rubs off too. And this board is full of the largest collection of winners I have ever been around (and have been around many World and Olympic Champions most of my life).

Winners do not STRESS. No need. They calmly and calculatingly look forward to the challenge of doing "the impossible" because winners know ANYTHING is possible, AND THEY WILL DO IT.

STRESS is for those NOT in First Place.





Hope this slightly different perspective helps at least one person here.

As to Raspberries, I REFUSED TO CARRY MINE (Bronz Cheer). I wasted your tax dollars. Lots of them. Call me on my cell (the Govt would NOT PAY FOR) if it THAT important. Otherwise, I'll get to it in the morning. Crackberries are the WORST things EVER invented. Stop carrying them this minute, is my advice. NO ONE, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, NEEDS one. Docs, lawyers, etc., BS. You don't NEED them either.

 

I dont think the crux of the argument was that peoples jobs are that much more stressful...its that life in general is more stressful and we are being taught this is normal and okay, when it isnt.

A 'truly' stressful job would involve life and death on a regular basis...of course most do not have that. But what most do have is life that requires them to work so much it interferes with quality of life. Some people love to work...24/7... that doesnt mean most do or that they are lazy if they dont want to. But these days you have to work far more than 30 years ago just to keep your head above water.

And this is all about the Average person...not the Type A personalities that inhabit this forum. The people here are a VERY SMALL minority.

 

+1. When I started practicing law in 1986, there were no Blackberries, cell phones, emails, or PC's on desks. We barely had fax machines. I remember that my law firm had the only one in town, and I also still remember the days when you'd call another attorney about getting them a document, and your question would be "Do you have a fax machine?" instead of "What's your fax number?" The fastest way to get work product to anyone was FedEx, and even that allowed you at a minimum a 48-72 hour respite before somebody got it back to you. And we got along just fine, the work got done, and the clients were happy. Now most people expect instant access, on a 24/7 basis, and if you don't give it to them, they'll get it from somebody else. Documents are exchanged via instantaneous email, most of the time with a curt question of "When are you going to get this back to me?" And as some other posters have noted, a lot of what is happening to us is self-induced. In 1986 if you were consistently billing 150 hours a month, the partners told you to slow down because you were obviously working too hard. Now if you only bill 150 a month, you're on the way out the door. Its no wonder that we're burning out at some high rates. Both of my daughters have told me that, having watched me all their lives, they'd rather dig ditches for a living than be a practicing attorney. It makes you wonder if its all worth it.

That being said, I have noticed one thing that has helped me with the after-hours disruptions. I give all my important clients my home phone number and I tell them that they can use it any time they want, because after 6 my cell phone gets turned off and it goes in the drawer. While most will not hesitate to call a cell phone any time they want, they very rarely call my home landline number after 6, and only then if it is a legitimate emergency. Something about calling the home landline makes it more "intrusive" I guess, and they rarely do it. Its not a total cure, because the home PC and the Blackberry still have to be dealt with, but every little bit helps.

 

great replies... are we are close to extinction?
whats the forecast 20 years from now?

 

Close is relative...

I cant imagine our race lasting another 1000 years without some serious growing up. But 20 years..yeah Ill bet we make it

But Ive always thought that our existance will be the blink of an eye compared to the dinosaurs ...the brightest flame burns the fastest.

 

Interesting thoughts from you and annukaii hit on some life lessons. Correlations and observations all should find value in.

One small point I'd differ is that I don't entirely agree that Stress is solely self manufactured.
It can be a byproduct of environment and/or other peoples actions but one by which you must participate in order to survive.
Stress can be good.
Stress can keep you sharp, keen and alive.
You needn't face physical danger to be stressed.

 

Overconnected? Between offices and home, the conduits: Blackberry, computers, mailing addresses, dedicated fax lines = 12.

All of the methods to use those conduits: email addresses, phone numbers, instant messaging names (AOL/AIM, Yahoo, MSN), social networking site profiles (each with their own instant messenger chat and message sending service), active forum accounts with Private Message capabilities, blogs/websites I'm affiliated with = 29.

41 ways to contact me. That freaks me out.

I have a book by a Coudert Brothers partner who laments the transformation of the legal industry - I'm just pulling from memory but I think he said lawyers billed like 1300 hrs/yr back in the 60's/early 70's... when I was in the recruitment stuff a few years ago, most big firms now have minimums in the 1800-2000hr/yr range. This is a jump of THREE more months of billable time crammed into a year! I summered at one that had a minimum of 2400hrs per year to stay on as an associate.

 

Bravo post.

I also believe firmly stress and preach is what you make it, so, as an exercise to exorcise, I admonish others to think the worst about *something* of their choosing - then, once they realize they'll live through that, the rest comes easy, just as it always has, only they had allowed stress to creep up on them and strangle the joy out of life. Somewhat akin to Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" - only without the double-velveeta-cheese schmaltz, as the order of the day is to see a task through to completion, within deadline, with room to spare. Combine that with the memory of people playing with games rather than games playing with people, and you're onto tech being managed by people, as it should be. Long story short, that's why I'm able to drop knowledge and mad skills in no time flat across 4 departments at my place of w-w-woooooo, woooorrrrrr- ... um, effort... not just 1 or *gasp* 2 depts., as others can only barely manage. In a few hours, I'll be starting day 11 of a 15 day stretch - it is what it is, so, without offense to soldiers, just gotta be a soldier.

 

Wax,

May I offer you this? The US Army, studying formations and sizes vs numbers of units for hundreds (Read: thousands) of years discovered that a Commander's MAX span of competent control is between 3 and 5. That is why at every level of command, that Commander never has more than 5 subordinate units of Soldiers to command. There are a few exceptions but VERY FEW. Any more than that and a unit or many units (Read: Departments) will get short-changed and often perform poorly "in battle" due to inattentive oversight/leadership. You are at four. Does not MEAN you can or cannot handle five, just something to consider when someday YOU get to pick YOUR replacement. To some it comes easy, to some it can be taught, to most others it never comes at all.

Day 11 of 15 without a day off, huh? I am also assuming you are the "first in and last out" for a 10-16 hour day also. You are bucking for a Bronze. Get to 60 in a row and you get a Silver, over 90 straight and I'll put you for a Gold and over 120 straight without a day off and I'll put you in for a Platinum. Anything over 180 and you get the Prez Medal of Stupidity. I have one or two of those. They REALLY SUCK!


As to "Soldiering on," absolutely no offense taken. "Move out Troop; Kick A$$, Take Names, AND STAY SAFE OUT THERE!!"