Matt Walsh Misses The Mark: Nobody Likes The 40 Hour Workweek

Suggesting that a 40-hour workweek should be considered reasonable and criticizing the desire for more leisure time needs closer examination. His perspective not only misses the mark on basic empathy, but it also misinterprets the essence of conservative values and a traditional lifestyle.

First off, Walsh's response is just unnecessarily rude. Criticizing someone for being sad and stressed about their workload overlooks the potential challenges in their life. Everyone's capacity to handle stress differs, influenced by factors like mental health, personal responsibilities, and the nature of their work. Dismissing this struggle felt by many Americans reveals a misunderstanding of the broader issues at play. Work for work’s sake isn’t what people were made for, contrary to what some conservatives believe. And being “liberated” from the responsibility of family life doesn't make people happy either, despite that being the mantra of most liberals.

Meaningful work and a strong connection to family is what most of us desire.

Misconception of Conservative Values

Secondly, the assertion that enduring a traditional 40-hour workweek aligns with conservative values spectacularly misses what many conservatives cherish most: family and home life. There's nothing inherently "traditional" or virtuous about dedicating oneself to external work at the expense of personal or family time. The 40-hour workweek is a product of industrialization and modernity, not a benchmark of American achievement or a lifestyle to which we should aspire without question. Many conservatives argue for a balanced approach to life, where work serves as a means to enrich rather than detract from family and personal happiness.

The Modern Work-Life Balance

Walsh added some follow-up remarks suggesting that women are often seen lamenting their professional roles because society has pushed them away from more traditional roles, which is true, but he goes on to add that taking care of children is even more work, so women should just “suck it up and deal with it.” 

This curmudgeon approach simplifies a complex and important issue, which is that both men and women are seeking meaningful engagement with their work and personal lives. The lies of liberal hyper-individualism have left us all disillusioned, and as a result, more people want to build their lives on more than just professional achievements. More Americans are longing for a life full of personal connections, community, and well-being over mere productivity – and that’s something to celebrate. This doesn't mean shirking responsibilities or desiring a life of leisure but rather questioning a system that measures human worth by output alone.

Seeking Balance, Not Escape

Conservatives should agree that the essence of a fulfilled life lies in balance – a blend of hard work that’s meaningful and ample time for family, rest, and personal growth. Mocking someone's distress over this imbalance misses an opportunity to advocate for a society that respects individual needs and values beyond the workplace.

Closing Thoughts

Critiquing Walsh isn't about denying the value of hard work or the reality that life involves struggle. It's about challenging the notion that our current work culture is the best we can aspire to. It's also about recognizing that the pursuit of a balanced life is not a weakness but a strength. True conservatism respects the individual's quest for a meaningful life and where work serves a purpose but does not define our entire existence.

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