[TulliusCicero]

> The power imbalance inherent in the expectation that you prove you're 'good enough' to a functionary who has the ability to determine if you have money to buy food or not sounds like a deeply unpleasant scenario to me.

You've essentially described how employment works, and yes, it can be rather unpleasant.

[idiotsecant]

Yes, both of those scenarios involve a power imbalance when none need exist. That's what labor organization is for.

[TulliusCicero]

Can't say I disagree!

[hobbe80]

Honestly, that is not how employment works in most of the (civilized) world. In the US, sure, but elsewhere we do have labor laws that matter.