An End to Slavery

It's 200 years, in case you hadn't noticed, since Britain voted to outlaw slavery. Most civilisised countries followed suit in subsequent decades, and today, slavery only exists in countries we probably wouldn't call civilised, or it exists contrary to the law. And yes, I do know it's still far too common, even in these shores.

But, for most of us, slavery simply doesn't exist any more. Not really. You'll still hear people referring to their jobs as 'slavery', or to themselves as 'wage slaves'. And it is, almost without exception, total nonsense.

No one I know has ever been literally chained to a desk, a restaurant kitchen or a production line. Nor is anyone actually locked into a supermarket, a warehouse or a fast food restaurant.

The door is always open for those who want to leave and have the gumption to do so. It follows that those who stay choose to stay, for whatever reason. Is that reason fear, conditioning, or something else? Something like security, predictability, a pension or (whisper it) that they secretly like their job?

Liking your job is nothing to be ashamed of. Enjoying the relative security is perfectly reasonable (but keep an eye out for signs you may not be as secure as you thought). Predictability and not having to make too many decisions for yourself is attractive to plenty of people, too. And a pension plan is not to be sniffed at, but again, keep a careful eye on it.

But, if you really feel enslaved by your job, leave it. Find another one or find a way to work for yourself. You are NOT really a slave. Your employer does NOT own you or any part of you. They buy some of your time from you, invest some money and effort into training you, and exert some control over your spending when they run a company pension sheme, but they don't own you. Only you do that.

If you want to leave, leave. If you don't, don't. Either is fine, if it's okay for you.

I left. Plenty never will.

Roy Everitt, Writing For Results