Project Eights By Andrew Moscariello Chemical Engineering ’13, Melbourne Australia (C ‘12)
The tramline that takes us to work heading to Moreland, 8
Missed our stop, get off next one, number 118 Trek back to the office, address 481 First ones in – American work preoccupation Lunchtime, eat with our sponsors – it’s more Australian Last ones to leave – project duties 8 hours are done, 1/3 the day 8 hours next, for relaxing and fun Go to the market, hot tub, or pub 2/3 the day have now passed 8 hours left, for sleeping 3/3, the complete day 8 hours for working, 8 hours for sleeping, 8 hours for play – how Australians keep life balanced
Author’s Note: The people of Melbourne take the 8 hour workday and 40 hour work seriously, especially since the city claims to be the home of the 40 hour work week. Yet an additional important step is the division of the remaining 16 hours in the day. Eight hours are set aside for enjoying life; you only have one to live. The other 8 are devoted to sleeping. The division leads to equal thirds of the day. American work ethic is a major contrast with this philosophy, but the division was an aspect of Australian life I came to value and enjoy.
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unpacked * Spring 2013