A “Day in The Life of a Tech Worker” video went viral this week, featuring a LinkedIn employee based in Chicago.
This video sparked controversy, specifically with people saying that she wasn't doing any actual work and that it's ridiculous that people get paid so much for essentially doing nothing.
However, the response to this video wasn't unanimous. Others called out the critics for being sexist towards a harmless video.
So what is the truth? Seeing someone doing a less demanding job with more perks can sting when you work a soul-crushing customer service job. Hard work is a value that many people hold dear, and when others get rewarded for what is seen as little to no work, it is valid for people who work harder and get paid less to get upset.
The genre of the “Day In The Life” video is specifically designed to make people's lives look interesting and cushy. The genre originated with YouTubers who don't work regular office jobs, making them aspirational. These videos rarely feature the exact minutiae of the work someone does daily because that doesn't make an exciting video. The things that make your life look interesting are the drinks of the day, the quiet room, and the nights out in the West Loop. These employees might have been told to make these videos by their employers as recruitment tactics.
This wasn't the first bout of outrage against female tech workers who allegedly do no work, and it certainly won't be the last. I am not the judge, jury, and executioner regarding whether these women work fake jobs, but it's definitely worth looking examining critically.
