May 1999 Utne #4 from Linda Hart Cohort III This is a response to Breaking the Job Lock by Andrew Kibrell.

In the article Breaking the Job Lock by Andrew Kimbrell, he envisions a work place that values the worker, the family, and the community above financial gain. Kimbrell would like to see a new generation of socially responsible businesses that empower the employee in the decision making and goal setting for the company. At present, we are expected to work faster, waste less time, and produce more. More than 80% of Americans say their lives are more stressful now than they were five years ago; pressures at work are cited as the primary reason (48). Kimbrell remains optimistic that the changes in the work place will continue to take place. Kimbrell states that politically we must push for measures that give workers more benefits such as paid vacations, greater flexibility in choosing part time work, a higher minimum wage, and paid leave to care for family. Another thing Kimbrell argues for is national health insurance which would be an important step that could free the entrepreneurial energies of workers. Workers would not have to stay in a certain job that may not be right for them just for the medical benefits. One figure that agrees with Kimbrell is Stephen Covey, author of the book Principle Centered Leadership, Covery suggests a universal mission statement. It reads like this: To improve the economic well being and the quality of life of all stake-holders (296). Kimbrell urges educators to help redefine work for future generations. He feels teachers must understand the role of mentoring young people to seek vocations that express their passions, values, beliefs and their needs rather than just settling for jobs.

-- Anonymous, May 02, 1999

Answers

Hi Linda - Your comments lead me to believe that this UTNE had a good article!! The author is making lots of sense when he states that the stress level is way up compared to five years ago and that people need to think through the reasons as to why they are working. If it is just for a job, then they should think one more time. Yes, family life is breaking down due to all of the work related factors. Stress and lack of time to spend with family (and realizing what quality time is) are huge when it comes to reasons why there are so many things going wrong in society today. Good comments from you. thanks for sharing. Sue J.

-- Anonymous, May 04, 1999

Hi Linda: Your comments are right on the money as far as they go. What implications does this article have for you personally? Utne is a publication that is designed to encourage us to think and push us to explore. The link to Covey is good but I also see links to M.Scott Peck, Alvin Toffler and even B. F. Skinner. Have you any more thoughts? Thanks. John

-- Anonymous, May 05, 1999