It was not factory jobs that created the great American middle class

[MADem]

20. You are right. It put food on the table, but it didn't feed the soul or the mind.

People do want meaningful work. Those boomers were taught to expect MORE. And they taught that to their kids.

They like to produce something that matters, to see the results of their efforts.

And if they're in a job that doesn't offer any of that, they at least need esprit de corps. They need to feel close to their fellow workers, enjoy the workday, have fun and laughs, be a team, and enjoy getting up and going to work--not for the lousy work, but for the company. You see this dynamic in some fast food places, where the management is upbeat and the crew all gets along--it results in a better product for the customer. If you have to do that kind of work because there's nothing else available, your work-mates can make all the difference in whether or not the job "really sucks" or is just "Meh."