Hacker News Reader

> expectations that one be an “ideal worker”—fully devoted to and available for the job, with no personal responsibilities or interests that interfere with this commitment to work—are widespread

Wat? Is this a thing in the US? If so, I'm incredibly happy I live in Sweden.

> many men experienced these expectations as difficult to fulfill or even distasteful.

No shit?

View on HN

I'm an Australian who spent 6 months last year in Sweden. I definitely got the impression that companies needs came second to the needs of individuals. Here in Australia, it is much more balanced, depends on your circumstances. My American friends tell me the US is the other way, the company comes before the individual.

If you are in the driving seat for your career, I certainly feel that the USA provides more opportunity. However for the ~70% (random guess) of people who don't have the luxury of being selective with their jobs, the Swedish model looks extremely appealing.

> Wat? Is this a thing in the US? If so, I'm incredibly happy I live in Sweden.

Very much dependent on the company. For most, no, 40 hours is the standard and that's that. There's probably a skewed view here since early stage (i.e. desperate) startups often buck that trend. Harvard Business Review is also probably not the most unbiased voice on an issue like that.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com