Burnout's Dark Companion: When Financial Incentives Trump Personal Needs The recent spate of office woes and career conundrums in Slate's "Good Job" column highlights a disturbing trend: when financial gain takes precedence over personal well being.
Two readers, Bored and Done, are struggling to balance their needs with the demands of their employers. Bored is stuck in a dead end job, forced to appear busy while doing nothing.
His manager refuses to train him on his duties, leaving him feeling unfulfilled and underutilized. Meanwhile, Done faces an eight to nine month stretch of intense work despite his desire for a break.