We stay in here too long!: Reflecting on the work of hotel managers, receptionists and maids

Abstract

Assuming the centrality of work in peoples lives, this article aims to understand the living conditions of workers, from their point of view, through eleven in-depth interviews done with hotel managers, receptionists and maids of two hotels in the city of Ribeirão Preto, in the state of São Paulo. The analysis of the interviews leads to the following results: a) life objectives of the interviewed are directly connected to the feelings they have towards their work; b) the work is extensive and intensive, jeopardizing life-work balance; c) wages neither match the availability and dedication demanded by the company nor with aspired life objectives.