In the USA we live in a society where we use our work to provide for food, clothing and shelter. Most of us do not have so-called “tied” homes where an employer provides a home while we work for them. We live in a society that is supported by laws, which means our living is regulated to aim for fair treatment for employers and employees. Some regulations seem to help employees more than employers, others help both.

Often we find that work is a chore and not a challenge. It is a chore to put 150 nuts and bolts together into a piece of machinery. Yet when we look in the finished production area we see that those nuts and bolts are part of a large whole. It might be that the large whole is simply a part of a larger machine. The examples are about small components being built, into larger components, and then into a completed item. Just look at the production of a car, van, bus or truck.

Our work is regulated. For example, that if an employer has more than 15 employees then he must make the workplace accessible to the disabled. If the workplace has more than 50 employees within a 75 mile of this worksite then the provisions of FMLA apply. The Family and Medical Leave Act allows an employee to have up to a set number of weeks unpaid leave. To qualify the employee must have worked for the company for at least a year, and worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous year.

At the end of the day we get the satisfaction that we are caring for ourselves with or without a family. For some it will be a job that could be challenging or stimulating. If we get a challenge it is a bonus. For some the challenge and stimulation come at a price of fighting to get new clients or getting existing clients to buy more from us and not our competitor.

For your work in West Virginia, make sure you know what your employment contract says. There are responsibilities as well as privileges there. If you have no contract then make sure what is implied by working “At Will” for that employer.

If you have questions and the HR department cannot, or will not answer then it is time to discuss the matter with a WV employment attorney, because you want to ensure your legal rights are not ignored.

Our gains are simple ones shelter, food and clothing for ourselves and any family. Our responsibilities are to “be there” when things need to be done. Let’s be aware that in today’s recession mindset employers will demand more and more.