December 21, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Hey, Are You Working Hard Enough?:

That’s right, you. Sitting around at 2 p.m. on a weekday and drinking beer al fresco at one of those joints on the beach with an unpronounceable German name. Aren’t you supposed to be someplace, doing something to put bread on the table? Where’s your phone? You’re not even on the phone?! Why do I have to sit in a cubicle that isn’t even near a window… and you are out in the sun enjoying life?

That the nature of “work” has changed for many, if not all, is not a news bulletin. But what we might be moving into is a new phase of criticism about how work looks. The “grind” of work has in many cases been replaced with something else that doesn’t necessarily make a grinding noise. And perhaps the absence of a grinding sound and sparks flying causes some to wonder if people are working hard enough.

All this occurred to me after reading Jonah Goldberg’s column in the L.A. Times this past week regarding criticism of Obama for playing too much golf. Or not cutting back on his vacation time so that he might visit flood victims or at least do something else that gave off the appearance of work. How could he possibly be keeping one hand on the rudder of our ship of state if he was seen using both hands to sink a putt?

Goldberg’s piece used the example of Obama being called out for goofing off as a means of examining how some are criticized for loafing when others get a pass. He pointed out that lefties were harsh on Bush for playing golf as Americans died in Iraq, a war he manufactured. Yet those same voices didn’t seem to have a problem whenever Obama was out on the links. And Goldberg cites a statistic that claims Obama spends 10 percent of his Presidency on a golf course.

What do you think? Is that too much? Do we need to get some more numbers for perspective, such as how much of any given day he spends with his kids? You know, as the world turns and explodes…

With global leaders, it’s easier to try and make a noise about fiddling as Rome burns. But what about everyday life and any of you? There’s so much thinking out there now about how “work” places must relax and deconstruct and make sure there’s a ping pong table and coffee options. Is work getting done? Are you working hard enough?

There’s an entire industry around the publication of books that speak directly to problems in business, business organization, and business leadership. One of the heroes of this genre is Patrick Lencioni, who grabbed my attention with his book titled “Death by Meeting”.  Written like a mildly engrossing novel, Lencioni offers guidance for getting the most out of any staff or business meeting by cutting away the time-killers in meetings that result in nothing going forward.

In other words, it’s a book of tips for getting your employees to ‘meeting’ better and to work better, and I think… harder. But in a productive direction.

So many of us are now our own bosses. Or if we have “bosses” they are often equal partners in our start-ups or small businesses. They likely don’t whip the horses like Mr. Dithers does in the “Blondie and Dagwood” cartoon… just to cite a model of old school office dynamics that should rightly have a shelf in the Smithsonian. Sure, today, consultants can be hired and reports submitted but… will we really know if we’re working hard enough?

Meanwhile, there’s the struggle to provide a living wage where before there has been a minimum wage for those doing work that is often physically demanding, repetitive, and stressful in ways no Internet start-up full of interesting haircuts and expensive eyeglass frames will ever know. A few days ago, I bought a chocolate shake at a drive-through window. The young woman at the window took my money and rang up my sale at the exact same time she was taking another order. She handed me my change and a straw as she described to the car at the other end of her headset the vagaries of various types of fries. She was literally doing two jobs at once, and when compelled to make a chocolate shake, well, that would be three jobs.

 

Which brings to my mind the image of the contemporary stay at home mother who can often be viewed jogging while pushing a baby stroller and making a phone call. For five extra points, attach a dog running just behind the stroller. Yet, you can still read articles regarding present-day feminism that give off a whiff of doubt about whether being a mom and raising kids is the same as “work.” My father made money for his going to college by loading Stroh’s beer cases on and off trucks. That was work and it was labor. There was no cappuccino lounge or ping pong table or orange European pillow furniture at the loading dock. He referenced that job whenever he was making a point about working. As I type this second to last sentence, I’m pressing ever so daintily on the keys of a laptop and I have a robust French Roast coffee with real cream to my immediate left. And man, I’m exhausted…

in News
<>Related Posts

Three-Bedroom Bungalow on N Beirut Ave. Lists for $2.8M

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

A Refinished Chimney Adds a Classic Touch, While Updated Interior Doors Bring a Fresh, Modern Look A stylishly updated family...

(Video) At Vistamar School – Discover the way high school should be

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Students achieve remarkable outcomes with our strong academics, small classes, andpersonalized approach. Our graduates don’t just attend college—they excel. Vistamar’sunique...

Malibu Prioritizes Safety Over Access in Pacific Coast Highway Improvements

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Efforts to Enhance Safety, Following Fatal Accidents on PCH, Are Necessary In a press release, sent via email by Matt...

Film Review: September 5

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

FILM/ REVIEWSEPTEMBER 5Rated R95 Minutes Limited Release December 13th, Wide Release January 17th This film is a documentary-style look at...

 (Video) See What’s Cooking at Bob’s Market’s Hot Food Bar

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Bob’s Market is Located at 1650 Ocean Park Blvd Bob’s Market is Located at 1650 Ocean Park Blvd. pic.twitter.com/3nJVLFZ4L8 —...

California Governor Declares State of Emergency Amid Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cattle

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Governor Newsom’s Action Expands the State’s Response to the H5N1 Virus Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency today...

Fia Restaurant Honors Veterans with a Special Thanksgiving Lunch in Santa Monica

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Chef Scott Erickson, a Former U.S. Marine, Leads Fia’s Efforts to Give Back This Thanksgiving, Fia Restaurant extended its commitment...

Santa Monica to Unveil Plaque Honoring Lloyd C. Allen, the City’s First Black Rec and Parks Commissioner

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Allen Was Instrumental in the Creation of the Park Where the Plaque Will Be Displayed The city of Santa Monica...

Venice Beach’s Iconic “Declaration” Statue to Be Removed Within Months. There’s Still Time for a Patron to Save It

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Declaration Is Now Months Away From Being Dismantled and Transferred to di Suvero’s Sculpture Park in Petaluma, CA. By Zach...

(Video) The Watermark at Beverly Hills Offers Boutique-Style Living for Seniors

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

For More Info, Go To Watermarkcommunities.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/MYpWd0S4Gf pic.twitter.com/DvrpQInU5g — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) December 18,...

Best Christmas Dinners To Go and Very Special Christmas Treats for Your Holiday Celebration

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

Where to Order Some of the Most Delicious and Special Treats for Next Week Christmas is approaching soon and just...

AI-Powered Gym “Fred Fitness” to Debut in Santa Monica

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

Fred Fitness Is Part of a Broader Partnership With Clever Fit and Egym, Which Recently Secured $200 Million in Growth...

Red Flag Warning Issued for Malibu as Dangerous Fire Weather, Power Shutoffs Loom

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

Santa Ana Winds up to 60 MPH, Low Humidity, and Potential Power Outages Expected  A Red Flag Warning has been...

80 Firefighters Contain Brush Fire Near Murphy’s Ranch in Palisades

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

The Operation, Which Lasted Two Hours, Was Made Difficult with Rugged Terrain A small brush fire near Murphy’s Ranch in...

(Video) The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational independent school...