Life and the line of duty

Ever met people in the working class who bragged about how long or how hard they work? "I've worked over 2 days without sleep" or "I've worked until I actually blacked out when I stood up to get to the toilet". The way these people go on, its as if they were having a competition about who suffered worst because of their jobs.

Why, oh why do they brag about it? Do they actually think its something to be proud of? You know what it translates to when someone brags to me about how long/hard they worked: "I've spent some precious time in my life doing something that does not contribute to how I would like to remember my life to be, PLUS it will shorten my already short lifespan as well".

I've suffered because of work, so I know what its like. I know what its like, to work weekends. I know what its like, to do 3 men's work at once. I know what its like, to work across 24 hours. I know what its like, to be awakened in the middle of the night, because "an issue" has arose. I know what its like. And I was never ever PROUD nor do I BRAG, that I experienced any of the above. I find it pathetic that I spent most of my waking hours working instead of living. Suffering because of work is not an achievement; it is a bloody tragedy.

Sure, you may not have a choice and it might be your responsibility to do it, fine. Just don't come out and say, with your nose in the air, "its dedication". Don't come out and tell the whole world like its some sort of achievement that's worthy of a medal and a statue erected in your honor. To me, that is akin to slashing yourself in the wrist "for the betterment of the company" and expecting a pat on the back for a job well done.

I know what its like to work like hell. And its pathetic.