On the Clock: What Low-Wage Work Did to Me and How It Drives America Insane

by Emily Guendelsberger

Amazon workers complained about the physical stress of techno-Taylorism. But an alarming number of call-center reps mentioned experiencing its mental stress, citing their jobs as the direct cause of intense bouts of depression and anxiety as well as ulcers and other physical effects of stress. I could, unfortunately, fill yet another twenty pages with stories from reps who said their jobs had driven them to seriously consider self-harm or suicide. “I considered driving into oncoming traffic every time I drove and thought of suicide constantly,” said one former worker. “Most mornings I contemplate how much throwing myself down my stairs would hurt, ’cause going to the hospital is the only way to have an absence that doesn’t count against you,” said a worker.