Written By: Madeline McGovern
As a country, we have seen the way of work change across the decades. What had started in prehistoric times was seeing hunters and gathers, who were hunting animals, gathering plants, and creating tools. The shift from hunters and gatherers to a more agricultural lifestyle began to develop. During this agricultural time, farming began as well as having more toolmakers and people who were traders. The slow start of advancements began during this time and later progressed into the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution captivates society and alters the old way of life that they were once used to. During the Industrial Revolution, the way that work was done changed forever. The advancements in technology allowed for mass production and the ability to work less. The departure from the farm lifestyle required a variety of tasks into more repetitive tasks for the factory.
The way of work has changed tremendously over the years. With the more technological advancements, the more adaptations that the work field witnesses. Utilizing the advances and transformation into a more educated society allowed for less physical labor and enabled tech, research, as well as a more creative workforce. In addition, many manufacturing jobs have transformed into utilizing outsourcing to receive these tasks at a lower cost than if they were produced within the United States. This concept relates to the opportunity cost within the United States. In addition, there has seen a shift from the manufacturing world into the white collar jobs. The increase in education has a direct affect into advancement’s with the white collar office jobs. The increase in white collar jobs allowed for an increase with a more flexible work life balance compared to the factory jobs.
The United States saw the greatest shift in a more flexible work lifestyle when COVID-19 pandemic took place within the country. I interviewed my good family friend Lisa, who is an elementary school teacher and experienced her first virtual teaching during COVID-19. I asked Lisa to describe her experience teaching during this extremely difficult time in the world. Lisa explained that “teaching during this time brought upon more challenges than teachers ever could've imagined.” She stated that “the rapid switch from in person teaching to online teaching forced teachers to adapt to new technology and online platforms.” Lisa stated that it was “difficult to ensure that all children had access to reliable internet as well as adequate devices and resources that allows for learning.” She also stated that it is such a critical learning development in a child’s life, the pressure was on for Lisa to ensure that she is doing the best that she can in order to be the best educator that she could be. Lisa explained that learning how to utilize all online resources was a really crucial step in the process. She explained that she needed to be as innovative as possible in order to promote effective learning. She stated that she had to learn how to use an online classroom environment, also to utilize online quizzes and testing to use the learning tool of repetition. Lisa stated that the most difficult aspect for her was the divide that took place when it came to technology. It was difficult to regulate who had access to the lessons and which kids were able to spend the time on the work. Lisa stated that she faced difficulty when it came to adapting the curriculum that she taught to adapt to technology. As a teacher for many years, Lisa’s heart went out to all of the kids that needed to learn really important skills during this time period online. She said that ensuring that the kids had a well-being aspect was really important. Lisa felt that the distance and separation that she faced as a teacher during this time was really upsetting. She feels as if part of her job is to ensure the well-being and the happiness of her students. Lisa brought up that the isolation of covid was really damaging to the well-being and happiness of her students and the isolation that she witnessed they felt was devastating.
Although there was many difficulties during this time for certain careers, there are many benefits that have come about from remote work. Remote work and the ability to utilize resources like zoom have changed the way that the work world works. The first benefit to this switch is the ability to have more flexible schedules. Employees are now able to allow for their own hours and have greater flexibility when it comes to their own responsibilities. Allowing for zoom meetings, gave many the opportunity to have a more adaptable schedule. Not having to go into the office for every meeting has allowed many to have a more flexible schedule. In addition, remote work has allowed for independent work. Remote work is a modern approach, allowing for everyone to work individually on their projects and work on each task without the interference of others. It is important to know that everyone works at their own pace. I interviewed my aunt that works in business, and when asking her what her take was on remote work. My aunt stated that, “remote work has allowed me to prioritize my own responsibilities while also holding the responsibilities of my job.” She stated that, “remote work has transformed the way that parents are able to be in their kids lives.” She stated that she is able to be more present due to the remote work that her job has allowed for.
Personally, I feel as if remote work will benefit me tremendously throughout my career. I feel as if I will be able to have a greater work life balance due to it. As an accountant one day, the ability to work from home will allow me to have the dream of being a mom while I develop my career. I am very thankful for the adaptation for remote work and the independence that it will allow for in my own life.
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