Canadian is confused by US work culture, says it feels like from an alternate universe

An anonymous person, who goes by u/zchrisiscool on Reddit, opened up about the drastic difference in the work culture of Canada and America. They said every time they see Americans talk about their work culture, it feels like "reading dispatches from some alternate reality," because, for the Canadian author, apparently, it's all very different in their own country.

The Canadian began by first highlighting the basic difference between sick leaves in both countries. "You know what happens when I'm sick in Canada? I stay home. I don't lose pay for the first few days, and I definitely don't have to choose between recovering and paying rent," they wrote. The individual went ahead, talking about how Americans, no matter how sick they are, are forced to show up at work because taking a day off isn't an option. "That's not dedication, that's survival mode," the author added. Further, the Canadian slammed the "Right to work" laws in America, by calling it "Right to fire you for breathing wrong."

Next, the author mentioned the faulty education loan system. The person had graduated with around $15k in debt, which they later paid off in three years of working part-time, but in America, the situation is completely different. "My American friends are telling me about $80k+ debt loads that follow them for decades. No wonder you're all trapped in jobs you hate; you're basically indentured servants to Sallie Mae," they said. Besides, he called America's healthcare system "dystopian," calling out the inefficient medical services.

"We complain about wait times here, but at least a cancer diagnosis doesn't come with bankruptcy papers," the author shared. Moving on, the person also lashed out at America for its zero-benefit facilities for people working 60+ hours a week. "What really gets me is how you've been convinced this is normal," the individual confessed, wondering how people have not been constantly protesting about the hostile work culture environments. "You've been gaslit into thinking that wanting fair wages and humane treatment makes you lazy," they added. Today, unfortunately, many are trapped in a toxic work culture, but don't leave their jobs, fearing the ongoing recession and financial instability.

In fact, a shocking report by Metro, citing an Instantprint study, says that 70% of people have experienced working in a toxic workplace. Meanwhile, when the anonymous person mentioned the very different work cultures in America and Canada, their now-viral post received a mixed response on social media. For instance, someone who goes by u/sourceprevious3095 on Reddit said, "Gen X was raised to accept it, but millennials were taught to question things instead of blindly accepting them. Gen Z was taught to respect themselves first and foremost. The fire is coming. It is just taking too long."

Similarly, another person who goes by u/needrain47 on the platform pointed out, "Contrary to what it seems like if you read this forum, not everyone actually lives like this. Millions and millions of people have jobs where they do get vacation and sick time and are just going about their lives, not caring about the people who don't have those things. I'm not saying that's okay, but that's how it is and why no one does anything."