B2- Upper Intermediate
Perhaps one of the things that entice people to high-paying corporate jobs is the privileges that come with that job title. A fat paycheck, for one, remains a strong drive to pursue and persevere in such positions no matter the toll it could take on one’s personal life.
However, isn’t it a cliche that the bigger pay one receives, the greater the responsibilities put on their shoulders, which comes at a price of sacrificing their quality of life.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to break free from the “golden handcuffs” of a top-tier salary.
Read this article about the so-called “golden handcuffs” of a six-figure payday.
Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240221-workers-shake-off-golden-handcuffs
Vocabulary Questions:
- Explain “golden handcuffs” in this context, “While some can shake off golden handcuffs for a healthier work-life balance, others find them nearly impossible to walk away from – and pay the price.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What does “to be at someone’s whim” mean? “Handsome compensation means employees are at the company’s whim.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
- What does “to push someone over the edge” mean? “He says on top of “a poor work-life balance, the long hours negatively impacting my relationship, the bullying culture,” he didn’t see a path to promotion, which pushed him over the edge.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever been in a situation where you thought this way, “You accept those conditions in return for such a high salary – that’s the game. If you’re not working 12 hours straight, the response is ‘you’re being paid this much, so you have to’.”? Talk about it.
- Do you think this is fair, “Higher up the chain, the financial packages sweeten – and the golden handcuffs tighten.“? Share your point of view.
- Share your insights on this, “It’s more than a salary you’re tied to: it’s also lifestyle, friendship group and sense of worth.”.
- “These financial packages will be here to stay – and in an uncertain economy, more workers may end up sticking it out, no matter the circumstances.” Share your thoughts on this statement.
- How important is high compensation and job prestige for you personally?