this post was submitted on 19 May 2026
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[–] haxboar@hexbear.net 24 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/10/the-proletarianization-of-tech-workers/

Tech workers spent a whole generation conceiving of themselves as entrepreneurs who bargained, nerd-to-nerd, with other entrepreneurs who needed workers as much as workers needed paychecks.

These workers allowed themselves to be convinced that being “extremely hardcore” — that is, working body- and mind-ruining hours (without overtime pay) was a badge of honor.

They let themselves believe that their bosses gave them gourmet cafeteria food, “on-campus” fitness centers and daycare because they were valued workers — and not because this created the conditions where workers could be induced to put in longer hours without additional pay.

They conceived of themselves as ascetic monks, a priesthood that labored every hour God sent to bring digitization to the world. Meanwhile, their bosses’ wealth soared, even as their own working conditions deteriorated.

He's got more, and better articles on this, but it was the oldest one I could find with a quick search

[–] chgxvjh@hexbear.net 13 points 3 weeks ago

One part Cory doesn't mention is that when things are going well, and you don't have other active worries, being productive is a very positive experience.

It doesn't take a ton of convincing to get people to enjoy and identify with their work. All it takes is not to be constantly reminded of exploitation and alienation.