It's something heard many times over, "Americans live to work, Europeans work to live." It's a phrase I was painfully aware of like many fellow citizens, but I never truly understood the repercussions of an American lifestyle until I began my internship. Overall, I've felt at home here in Switzerland, but the aspect I've had the most difficulty with is letting go of the "live to work" mindset. I'm accustomed to making myself available, responding to calls even on my day off, feeling like I need to kill myself in order to succeed. And while hard work and dedication are mandatory for success, hard work and dedication are only required during work hours.
Ever since I've decided to earn my master's in Geneva, I've been focused on making the most of my time and gaining experience that will set me apart on my career path. With every encouraging grade and opportunity that arises, I'm more determined to do well. However, doing well doesn't mean constant availability and exhaustion. From the moment I landed in Switzerland, there's an evident change in the atmosphere- even when people are in a hurry, it feels different. And it feels different because it is different.
My last position was with the Social Security Administration. I was expected to be attached to my desk, ready at the beck and call for 8 hours a day, minus two 15 minute breaks and a half-hour lunch. The only positive component to the job was the health benefits- which happened to be enough to keep many people working there. The fact that good health insurance is considered an amenity, and often a luxury of a job offer, says a lot about what we already know is wrong with the American system. You're expected to sell your soul in order to live. Healthcare aside, work is different. Europe has balance. People have sufficient time to eat lunch and take necessary breaks throughout the day. Don't even get me started on personal and sick leave.
It's important to note all of this because the first week of my internship was the most staggering for me, but not for reasons you might think. One of the first things I said to my supervisor was, "Let me know whenever you need me if something comes up. I'm happy to help and have my e-mail linked to my phone." It took a moment for me to realize how deranged that statement really is. Do I want to help in my new position? Absolutely. Do I want to learn as much as I can? Yes. Do I want to do well? Yes. Am I a surgeon who needs to be on call and ready to work even when I'm scheduled off? No. To this day, I know it's a completely misguided remark but on some level, it feels normal when it shouldn't be.
It never occurred to me how much the American work ethic consumed me until that moment. I actually felt anxious from feeling as though I wasn't available enough when I started my position. It's been a learning experience to enjoy a balanced lifestyle, to relax, and realize eviscerating myself to do well doesn't equate to success. As Americans, we're taught more is better, work harder even if it's getting you nowhere, be grateful for your shitty position- and it's wrong. It's so devastatingly wrong.
Efficiency is key. It's quality, not quantity. And by no means should anyone have to stay at a debilitating job or "live to work".
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