TLDR: Working conditions in the US are incredibly inhumane. Work must be worthwhile – for everyone!
I've been lurking for a while and just need to get rid of this. Every time I see a new post here I think it can't get any worse. And everytime someone goes one better with another even crazier story.
All of the following points would be so incredibly exploitative and some of them also illegal here in Germany that companies wouldn‘t even dream of:
– Call employees on vacation (no matter why)
– Call employees to work when they are sick, on maternity leave, etc.
– Lay off employees without good reason
And so much more that I can't list everything here. What I get to read here is so absurd and unreal that I can't even describe it. Starting with the working conditions to everyday life, in which – as I heard/read – many people live from paycheck to paycheck.
And yes, in Germany there are many laws, restrictions and regulations that define the rights and obligations of both employers and employees. But I think that's a good thing. I can pay my bills, my food, treat myself sometimes and on top of that I can invest some of the money for later. It seems that the US market can operate much more freely and independently in comparison. As you can see from this sub, I think a free market is extremely dangerous. With less regulation, there are fewer incentives to expand better labor protection, higher wages and generally better working conditions.
So that you have a comparison, I would like to briefly describe the working conditions at my last employer: Office job with 35 hours/week from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Not once have I been asked when or why I finish work at a certain time. When I was done with work, I was done. And I made my own decisions if I wanted to stay longer. Head of Department has made sure every year that we cut our overtime to 0 and take our paid vacation. The working atmosphere was casual and relaxed. You get your work done, talk to your colleagues etc. And even if you're on the phone for a short time, neither your colleagues nor the team leader have said anything about it as long as you get the job done.
In summary, I can say that everyone who works should also have the right to a good work environment and a fulfilling life. With that in mind, I wish you all the very best.
P.S. My first post ever. Somehow it's become half rant/half analysis.