I noticed moving from wage work (think: restaurants, grocery stores, retail, etc.) to salaried work (think: office job), the workers were much closer, warmer, and there was more solidarity among wage workers than among salaried workers. There was almost a culture shock moving between those two.
In most wage-level jobs there’s not vague prospects of promotion held up over everybody’s head. In office jobs that’s a constant enticement to suck up to management. Office jobs always feel more like people in competition for the boss’ favour, as a result, than in people working together for a goal.
This is why I’m an anarcho-syndicalist at heart. Fuck hierarchy.
That’s a great point. Another thing I’ve always liked about wage work is that instructions are given clearly. I’ve had corporate managers who seem to only hint, I’m neurodiverse I take things literally! I can’t do corporate speak or hints just tell me what to do
I have struggled that way too. I don’t have any diagnosis, but it wouldn’t be surprising if I were neurodiverse, and I similarly hate the ambiguity and weird social games that are at play in the corporate setting. Not that social games aren’t happening among wage workers and so on, but there isn’t the same feeling of competition among workers and the culture feels more open and honest, which makes it easier like you say to get honest direction and feedback.
Totally agree there’s so many ridiculous power plays and people working against each other. It’s a nightmare
Yeah, when I went from jobs that paid weekly to one that paid monthly I was not prepared for the number of people who would smile to my face and then stab me in the back.
Also, leaving a job went from hugs, well wishes, and a box of chocolates over to being escorted out by security because they assumed anyone leaving would want to steal stuff, which was surreal.
When I then moved to working at secured locations the friendliness came back, which was a bit weird to start with but I think it’s necessary to cope with the loss if control everyone feels at a subconscious level.
Definitely feel this! I think it’s not just about wage vs salary but the type of job. There’s a certain shared trauma with customer service jobs that makes it easier to relate than at an office job.
I moved companies about 8 years ago to a company that actually has some women in leadership positions and some men in HR positions. Policies and procedures on paper look similar, but cultural response to workplace harassment has been handled completely different for the better.
Culture at my current workplace is wildly different to my last one. It’s far more professional eg better procedures in place, better work ethics etc. They can barely be compared
that sounds positive, happy for you! 🫶
Thanks foxglove!
