The Predatory Practices of Modern Corporations: A Personal Account
Work-life balance in today’s corporate world is almost non-existent. The expectation to go above and beyond has become the new normal, leaving employees—hourly or salaried—stressed and uncertain. I’ve experienced this firsthand during my nearly four-year tenure with a company that, like many others, values profits over people.
When I was first hired, I was placed on a three-year project where 60+ hour workweeks were the norm. Despite my dedication, I could only bill for 40 hours, with the rest going uncompensated. This wasn’t an exception; it was expected. The line between meeting and exceeding expectations has blurred, forcing us to wonder: what does it take to truly excel?
Things worsened when, after being rolled off that project, I was given just six weeks to find another assignment or be laid off. Determined to keep my job, I checked openings daily, networked, and even became POPM certified. Four weeks in, I was placed on a one-month project, but this didn’t reset the six-week clock. The stress of uncertainty was overwhelming.
The project’s success led to a second phase, but without a signed statement of work, my employment was still not guaranteed. My boss had to ask for weekly extensions of my temporary separation date. Eventually, the statement of work was signed, but as I near the end of this second phase, I’m back in the same stressful situation. The six-week countdown wasn’t reset because the project wasn’t six months long, leaving me once again facing potential unemployment.
These practices are not just unethical; they are inhumane. Companies today need to start treating their human resources with more humanity. The focus on profit margins has led to a toxic work culture where employees are seen as disposable assets rather than valued members of the team. The uncertainty, stress, and lack of compensation for hard work are driving good people out of the workforce and leaving those who remain feeling undervalued and overworked.
It’s time for a change. Corporations need to recognize that their success is built on the backs of their employees. Treating people with respect, offering fair compensation, and providing job security aren’t just good business practices—they’re the right thing to do. Until these changes are made, the cycle of exploitation will continue, and the true cost of doing business will be borne by those who can least afford it: the employees.
xoxoxo-The Not So Common Gal