Why is Bob smiling?

Meet Bob.

Bob is smiling.  Keep reading to find out why.

Bob has a job and a boss. He is required to work on Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after. If he refuses, he will lose his job.

When Bob works over 40 hours a week, he does not receive overtime pay. He’s exempt. Bob doesn’t receive overtime if he works over an eight-hour shift.

Even though he’s a full-time employee, Bob does not receive “benefits” from his employer like health insurance, pension, or 401(k).

Bob’s employer does not pay bonuses. There is no profit sharing.

When Bob invents anything valuable, his boss claims ownership and keeps all profits for himself.

Bob does not have paid vacation, bereavement, maternity, personal, or sick days. If Bob misses any work, Bob does not get paid. If Bob is sick and does not go to work, he does not get paid.

Bob is not allowed to ask for time off or be scheduled according to his preferences. He is frequently required, for example, to work a #3 shift followed by a #1.

Bob is required to be available 24/7 and seven days a week. Bob isn’t allowed to carve out time for other activities like a second job, school, volunteering, visitation, etc.

Bob frequently has six- and seven-day work weeks. Bob frequently has split shifts.

Bob’s schedule changes weekly and he isn’t allowed to know what it will be in advance. He finds out at the last minute.

Even though Bob has paid Social Security taxes his entire life, Bob’s boss supports politicians who want to reduce and/or privatize Social Security and Medicare.

Bob has no pension and no health insurance. Bob will work until he is unable to work. If he becomes unable to work, his boss can always fire him “at will” and without cause.

Bob spends his discretionary income on Viagra. This gives Bob erections. That’s why Bob is smiling.