Coins Quote by Terry Pratchett
““Is that all, sir? Only we've got stuff to finish before our knocking-off time, you see, and if we stay late we have to make more money to pay our overtime, and if the lads is a bit tired we ends up earning the money faster'n we can make it, which leads to a bit of what I can only call a conundrum—" "You mean that if you do overtime you have to do more overtime to pay for it?" said Moist, still pondering how illogical logical thinking can be if a big enough committee is doing it. "That's right, sir," said Shady. "And down that road madness lies." "It's a very short road," said Moist, nodding.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld series, 1990s, dialogue between Moist and Shady
The quote satizes the paradox of overtime: working extra to earn money leads to needing more overtime, creating a self‑reinforcing cycle of endless work.
In simple terms: Overtime creates a loop where extra work demands even more work.
Key Takeaway
Avoid endless overtime cycles.
Themes
workplace
paradox
productivity
economics
Mood
ironic
critical
Type
satirical
dialogue
When to use this quote
- office deadlines
- project management
- employee burnout
- budget planning
Key Concepts
incentive loops
diminishing returns
bureaucracy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does overtime affect work‑life balance?
- What alternatives exist to break the cycle?
A Different Perspective
The humor may downplay real financial pressures and labor rights issues.
