Toiling peasants plowing or harvesting fields from dawn till dusk is how we often envision “work” in medieval times. You might find it surprising to learn that modern Americans, on average, work more hours and take fewer vacation days than those medieval peasants did.
No doubt, there was much plowing and harvesting going on in olden times, when the land was ruled by knights, lords, kings, and of course, the Catholic church. But it was probably a lot less work than you think.
While the average modern-day employee takes an average of eight vacation days per year, medieval peasants took anywhere from eight weeks to half a year off annually, as the church would enforce numerous compulsory holidays as a measure to curb rebellion. Plus, it was customary not to work on Sundays.
On top of this, there were celebrations, such as weddings and births, and sporting events and entertainment, such as jugglers coming to town to perform. And of course, there were off-season periods between plowing and harvest, which would provide plenty of leisure time.
Not only did they work slowly, they also enjoyed longer meals and a customary afternoon nap during the day. Although they might have worked 16 hours per day during farming seasons, that work was broken up by such intermissions.
Contrast this with the fast-paced modern lifestyle of today, where we are now bidding farewell to the 40-hour week and embracing more hours with fewer days off.
Nowadays, trends of both high unemployment and job insecurity have led to employees forgoing holidays in order to hold their jobs. Secure, long-term positions are practically a thing of the past; hopping from job to job or working part-time is now normal.
Meanwhile, more job seniority no longer means more vacation time, according to Business Insider.
Nor do employers have it any easier than workers do. Some businesses simply cannot afford to pay for vacations or days off due to the state of the modern economy, which has seen numerous catastrophic crashes from the early 1900s right up to today.
Of course, there are reasons behind all of this mega-scale disruption.
While many cite the U.S. economic crash of 2008 as one of the main contributors for the poor state of the modern economy in America, it certainly is not the only one. Some say that it began as early as 1971, when the United States severed its currency from the gold standard, leading to incredible instability. It can probably be traced as far back as the Great Depression and World Wars I and II, and indeed further back.
For decades, corrupt financial elites and banking cartels have benefited from war and siphoned away money from economies through multi-trillion-dollar scams (yes, trillion with a “T”). Now, we are left with an economy buckling under the weight of debt, as if about to collapse.
Perhaps it’s time for our leaders to finally stick up for the modern worker by draining the “economic swamp” of corruption that has plagued the world for so long. Afterwards, perhaps a nice long vacation is long overdue.
10 Rules You Must Follow When Visiting Walt Disney World
If you and your family are heading to Disney World soon, first, let me say I am so excited for you!Okay, okay, deep breaths. Let’s try to stay cool here.
There are some rules I‘d like to make you aware of. These are unwritten rules, but if you don’t follow then strictly, you’ll turn back into a pumpkin or turn into a frog or some other awful fate!
Did I mention I’m excited for you?
Ride It’s A Small World
No, really, you must try this ride. It’s like you didn’t even go to Disney World if you don’t. Yes, the song repeats over and over. It’s tradition. Now get in the boat!Enjoy a Mickey-Shaped Treat
You may be tempted to pass right by the snack vendors throughout the parks but you'd be missing out on some classic deliciousness! It doesn’t get any better than the Mickey ice cream bar if you ask me. It’s beyond good.Meet Mickey
Ride the Monorail
And forever engrain in your mind the smell. The monorail has a very specific scent. It’s hard to pin down, but it’s the smell of happiness. This I know. ;) You get extra points if your family can recite the safety instructions in Spanish by the end of your trip.Take a Family Portrait in Front of the Castle
I mean, come on! This is it. This is the moment. If you need bribery to ensure everyone smiles in the picture, tell the kids you'll buy them whatever they want from The Emporium if they cooperate.Sport Mickey Ears
Eat Well
There’s an opportunity to eat in Disney World every couple of feet. Not all opportunities are created equal, however. Do some research and find the best meals you can afford. The very best are truly phenomenal. Don’t do the fast food thing through your whole vacation.Wake Up Early
See a Parade
Check park schedules for parade times and be sure to enjoy at least one while you’re there. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting and the crowd levels, gauge the time you'll need to scope out a viewing spot for your family. Packed with Disney characters, they are a total treat!Watch the Fireworks
Ending your day with fireworks, perhaps paired with ice cream, is the way to go at Disney World. They are extraordinary productions and allow you to pause and appreciate these very special memories you’re creating with your family.
Wishing you a magical time!
