People Share All the Reasons They Don't Want to Work

Long ago at an old job, my colleagues and I had to do a "time management seminar" at our company. Instead of learning about how to magically muster up more hours in the day, we were essentially told that the problem was with us—if we couldn't make time in the 40-hour work week for chores, relationships, and the things we loved to do, then maybe we were doing something wrong. They had us make a schedule for our "personal time," which, of course, revolved around our work hours. The problem is that we're not robots who can turn energy, motivation, and productivity on at will. We're human beings, and we are tired. Why don't we want to work? Because we want to live our lives.

One redditor asked Reddit why people don't want to work, and the answers are all too relatable.

Posted by Mel Dawn

“People who don't want to work, why?” Posted by u/Designer-Mark320

“People who are rude to waiters and cashiers are pure trash” said u/nattukaran.

“My company changed to a 32 hr week without cutting pay or benefits. Pretty much the best thing that ever happened.” said u/Snoo71538.

“At least nothing that pays” said u/bjernsthekid.

“'Do what you love and the money will follow.' Umm, no, high school counselor...Pretty sure nobody is going to pay me to play video games and drink beer all day.” said u/Alrik.

“Like seriously, what kind of question is this? Why would anyone want to work? People want to do something that gives them purpose, a sense of accomplishment, and the feeling that they’re making a difference. If money wasn’t an issue, would most people actually choose to participate in corporate bs or deal with general public or stand at a conveyor belt all day? I’d personally volunteer, enjoy hobbies and nature, travel, and take care of my family.” said u/newluna.

“I want to work collectively towards a beautiful vision for the future, not work for my survival, like a rat digging through trash, or work to satisfy other people’s fickle desires, all of which won’t provide them with lasting fulfillment/joy.” said u/Competitive-Dot-5667.

“Hate all the same things, but Long commutes is at the top of list. Robbed of my time and money, and having to deal with the stress of maneuvering with and around morons that have no respect for anyone else on the road. I shouldn't be ready to murder everyone just getting to work for a job I can definitely do entirely from home.” said u/Littleman88.

“And also, not being remunerated enough to put up with all that bullshit either.” said u/-Not-Today-Satan.

“This. Not only do we have to work to do those things they make up a very small, tiny portion of our life's away from the hours and hours at work dreaming about what your life could be.” said u/iiSamJ.

“I’ve just drawn a hard line and said ‘at this time, I am DONE.’ I know it isn’t possible for many jobs. Even at mine, it may be frowned upon, but I’m not giving up my free time for a company that doesn’t care that much about me.” said u/swerbdnastnulb.

“'your two days off are used for laundry and groceries' if this isn't the truest thing I've read all day. Hustle culture is the biggest scam I've ever seen.” said u/push-play.

“I’m a game programmer at a major developer. It’s amazing how much I hate game programming between the hours of 9-5 and how much I love it between 6-12” said u/imjusthereforsmash.

“This is completely true. I was previously working a job where the job controlled my schedule and I was miserable. I work from home now, have my own schedule (still a 9-5, but I can come and go as I please or start late/end early), have unlimited PTO, I'm paid well, not micromanaged, and due to those factors my job satisfaction went WAY up. So, while it isn't necessarily the autonomy of no job, it still gives me freedom that I didn't have before and so I genuinely don't mind working at my company.” said u/miloblue12.