Why Do People Work So Much? Vocab List & Study
Vocab list:
- Work-life balance – the balance between the time you spend working and the time you spend doing things for yourself.
“Many people struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance.” - Overtime – working extra hours beyond your normal schedule.
- “She often does overtime, especially during busy seasons.”
- Burnout – physical and emotional exhaustion caused by too much work or stress.
- “He took a break from work due to burnout.”
- Nine-to-five job – a standard job with regular working hours, usually 9am to 5pm.
- “A nine-to-five job doesn’t appeal to everyone.”
- Productivity – how much work someone can do in a certain amount of time.
- “Taking regular breaks can actually improve productivity.”
- Annual leave – the time you get off from work, usually paid holidays.
- “Employees in France enjoy more annual leave than those in the US.”
- Workaholic – a person who works too much and finds it hard to stop.
- “He’s a bit of a workaholic—he even checks emails on holiday.”
- Hustle culture – a lifestyle that promotes working hard constantly, often at the expense of rest.
- “Hustle culture is common in some big cities.”
🌍 Country Focus Comparison
| Country | Key Traits | Work-Life Balance Insight |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Long hours, respect for authority, social pressure | Improving slowly, younger generation shifting |
| France | Strong legal protections, more holidays | Excellent balance, legal right to disconnect |
| Japan | Deep work culture, tradition of loyalty | Overwork issues, recent reforms in progress |
| Sweden | Shorter days, focus on wellbeing and outdoor life | One of the best in Europe |
✍️ Practice Questions
- What are some signs of burnout in the workplace?
- Do you think your country encourages hustle culture? Why or why not?
- Would you prefer remote work or a nine-to-five job? Explain your choice.
- How would you describe your own work-life balance?
🎯 Discussion Challenge
Write a short paragraph (5–6 sentences) describing what an ideal work culture looks like to you. Try to include at least 3 vocabulary words from this episode.