Comments on: Is travel really necessary?

By: Garrett

Garrett — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:40:13 +0000

I would prefer a more balanced work/life balance, for sure (and I’m American).

But the question is, assuming a handful of countries adopted this stance, would they become so competitively disadvantaged that they would switch back to a more laissez faire attitude?

I think you can find comparisons in the 35-hour work week popularized decades previous in Europe and their more recent move towards longer work weeks. Global competition, and countries that operate with near slave-labor hours, make dictating maximum working hours an unrealistic goal.

Unfortunately, of course!

By: Travel Photography

Travel Photography — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:37:49 +0000

I think that more our at home doesn’t mean less comsumption needings. In fact, I think it could be more, since while you’re at home you need energy, and things to do, which may or may not be less-comsupting, Less hour of work means less money, but what for people who works by themselves? If I’m freelance I’ll need to work as I’m doing right now, just because I can’t be competent if I don’t, and can’t deliver lot of work In few days.

I don’t think less hour of work means less contamination. I think it just means more fun, which is great though.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:17:53 +0000

Thanks for the comments. It is, I agree, highly unlikely to ever come about, but it is an interest idea and its effects would be far-reaching. I guess credit would be harder to come by with lower earnings, so this would help push down spending quickly. Travel would continue, but might be more locally focussed rather than long haul. And quality time with family, yes… I wonder how people would cope with that.

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:46:47 +0000

It sounds like it would be difficult to travel junkies and those who need to travel as part of their jobs. I’d give it a shot – why not? I’m not sure shortening the week would directly lead to a change in lifestyle though – it might just mean people spend longer in Vegas. Credit card might get worse until people accept the new reality of the short week. There would be those who would continue to work 5+ days a week (you wouldn’t be able to completely curtail that, right?). Very thought-provoking.

By: Smita

Smita — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:32:16 +0000

Quality time with family…hopefully some of us will really enjoy our kids finally if this ever happens!

By: Dave and Deb

Dave and Deb — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:33:47 +0000

Love the 21 hour work week, but no one will ever go for it. I live that way however, and love it. As for travel, there are so many other things out there contributing to problems in the world. I think the least of our worries are people’s travels and vacations.