#165. Modern Employees And Ancient Slaves

Are There Any Differences Between Now And Then?

Having watch the Rome movie series by HBO, I have learned that thing has not changed much during Julius Caesar's time and today.

So, here's my observations and take on slavery. And the comparison between the Julius Caesar Roman times and our world today.

Then: A wealthy person can own many slaves.

Now: A wealthy enterprise or business owner can employ many workers.

Then: A slave served their master/owner till either of them died.

Now: An employed person works their backside off till they retire. And then their children continue to work sometimes for the same enterprise or business owner. It can go on for a few generations. This is worse than in Julius Caesar's time.

Then: The master could sell the slave off to someone else if he is not happy with the slave.

Now: A working class citizen can be fired from the company he works in. And has to look for another employment opportunity elsewhere.

Then: The slaves had to provide sexual favours to the masters when required.

Now: The employee brings the boss a cup of coffee when asked to. And other personal favours that are usually not a pleasure to perform. A survey I read somewhere said that employees dislike doing personal favours for their bosses. They don't mind doing job related favours, but not personal favours like going to the banks to pay their bosses' bills.

Then: There was usually a master slave that look after the other junior slaves. The master slave, knowing very well that he is of the slave rank, treated his fellow slaves kindly.

Now: Some managers have many subordinates reporting to them. Some know that they are salaried workers just like the rest of his subordinates and treat them kindly. Others treat their subordinates like slaves and with disrespect.

Then: The slaves' survival lied on the master providing food and lodging.

Now: The working class gets their salary month after month so that they can continue to live, eat and have a house to live in.

Then: The slaves lived in their masters' houses.

Now: Many domestic helpers lived in with the employers.

Then: Some slaves were sold off by their parents to wealthy people to pay off the debts that they had.

Now: Some people are in heavy debts, mortgages, credit card debts and so on. And they have to continue working for business owners in order to earn some money to pay off those debts.

Then: Slaves wore tags to show who they belonged to.

Now: The modern slave, I mean the working class now mostly wear a tag to access to doors in their office buildings. The tag also has their employer's name on it.

Then: When a slave met another slave, he would introduce himself as "I am Sheila of the Julii's house."

Now: People introduce themselves as "I am John, working with ABC Company."

Then: The slaves helped their masters in their businesses such as selling some fruits or goods.

Now: You see salespeople of all kinds. Even financial planners with the banks are selling you something, neh?

Can you think of more? Just would like to share the above with you. And see? Things are not much different today from 2,000 years ago. Can we still be proud to work for XYZ company today knowing that underneath we are just slaves?

Some people admire their friends who work with large multi-national companies (MNCs) saying it's a better job. Don't be, it's the same old thing ~ slavery! I know people working with large MNCs who are not happy with their jobs. Nor those in smaller companies any happier.

Take action today to break free! Have a plan.