I'm job hunting at the moment since, while working at the coffee shop is all right, I figure it might be better to get some other type of work experience (and something that pays a little more since tuition + living costs for next semester are going to be a slight problem). On the topic of work, I can't complain too much since even at my current job, I have flexible hours and pretty decent vacation days, things I would have a harder time getting in other countries.
An article I recently read in The Economist outlined the number of holidays (vacation days) or days off given to workers (on average) in numerous countries around the world. Thought it would be of interest to some of you:
Of the seven countries compared, Japan has the most public holidays with a whopping 16. In the UK, there are normally only 8 public holidays (exactly half of Japan) but, thanks to the Royal Wedding this year, we have 9 public holidays in 2011.
Public Holidays
Bulgaria (13)
France (10)
China (11)
US (10)
Japan (16)
UK (8 + 1)
Germany (10)
So according to this graph, it looks like the UK is the hardest working while Japan is the laziest. Hahaha, don't jump to conclusions yet.
Annual Leave
China (5 -> 10)
U.S. (15)
Bulgaria (20)
France (30)
Germany (20)
UK (28)
Japan (20)
In terms of annual leave, France takes the top spot with an entire month (thirty days) of vacation allowed (on average) for each employee. The average in the U.S. is fifteen, but actually, some people have as little as five days (I had only five days of annual leave when I was working at the law firms). On average, China is the hardest working nation of the seven based on annual leave alone with only ten days.
Public Holidays + Annual Leave
China (21)
U.S. (25)
Bulgaria (33)
France (40)
Germany (30)
UK (36)
Japan (36)
So when you combine public holidays with annual leave, China remains the hardest working country of the seven while France remains the most slothful of the group.
Sick Days
UK (6)
Germany (7)
U.S. (0)
France (8)
Bulgaria (22)
Japan (0)
China (0)
Then come the sick days. China, the U.S., and Japan are not required to give their workers paid sick days. Rather, if they miss work because they are sick, the employers usually deduct pay for that day when giving them their remuneration. Bulgaria takes the whole cake in this category with a whopping twenty-two sick days allowed annually.
Public Holidays + Annual Leave + Sick Days
Bulgaria (55)
France (48)
China (21)
US (25)
Japan (36)
UK (42)
Germany (37)
France (48)
China (21)
US (25)
Japan (36)
UK (42)
Germany (37)
When all the days off are combined, China stays the most hard working country and it is Bulgaria that becomes the laziest. Perhaps these are remnants of the old Soviet era? There's the old Soviet joke that goes, "They pretend to pay us, and we pretend to work." Of course, Bulgaria is no longer a communist nation, but still, it's interesting how that aspect of the Soviet era still seems to linger around.
Today's Random Fact:
During the rule of Emperor Claudius in the Roman Empire, there were 159 public holidays per year! Wow! I wish I had that many paid public holidays! It would give me ample time to travel the world and get paid for it!
