[gregholmberg]

We forget so soon. Labor movements within recent memory were fought at great cost to secure the possibility of shorter working hours. People were killed at factory gates trying to get labor laws enacted, in part to reduce employer demands for long working hours.

One argument in favor of capping work hours: unrestricted overtime discriminates against workers unable or unwilling to compete. A race to the bottom is not in the long-term best interests of any participant or the society.

An imbalance in society might show up as (under|un)employment in groups outside the core demographic -- in this case, anyone who is non-20-something, non-male, or non-white, who is not "crushing it" at work after nine on weeknights.

[shitgoose]

In contrast with early labor movements the modern IT workforce seems to be quite happy with 60-80hrs and reacts aggressively to suggestions that 40hrs is better for them. I guess capital has learned a thing or two about managing the workforce. Don't give them money, give them more hours and JavaScript book to read before bed. Marx would shave his beard if he saw that.

[jotm]

As they used to say in the army, no matter how good you are, no matter what you accomplish, you'll burn out in 10-15 years and be replaced by a young 20-something willing to do what you can't.