Working Harder Isn't Working

by Bruce O'Hara

In the 1960s, futurists predicted that advances in technology and increased automation would bring about an Age of Leisure and Abundance. Technology has performed its today's workers can produce twice as much per hour as their 1950s counterparts. So why are we told that we must work longer and harder - for less money - to survive in today's "competitive economy"? What's gone wrong? Massive unemployment, soaring taxes, runaway debt, environmental degradation, and growing levels of poverty and personal suffering are the direct results of our stubborn refusal to let go of the 40-hour workweek. Bruce O'Hara offers a concrete, detailed program to reclaim the future of our a bold and delightful plan to work less and enjoy life more.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Joanne]

I read this book shortly after it was published in 1993. Bruce O'Hara was ahead of his time. Or maybe not! I was a Career Advisor for a university then, and it was evident even then that the very concepts of a "job" and "employment" were changing dramatically. But economic and social policy were not keeping up. Changes had to be made that would not be popular, particularly to conservatives. Every time it was mentioned, people scoffed then, and still do, even within liberal circles. But it's time to take another look at this idea, particularly post-pandemic. I highly recommend this book. Bruce was right!

[Ben]

I feel like I came away with a much better understanding of a lot of economic principles. Skipped the part about 4 hour work week implementation.

[Chris]

compare with Tom Ferriss book on Four Hour Workweek