No, I like social engineering... Otherwise it will be done by 'the markets' anyway, in their own way. So, you think it is possible to work as much or as little as one wants? Not so easy, in practise. Sure, I could try to find a part time engineering post, but most likely it would be a lesser job as I would be considered not serious enough for the job if I don't want to work long hours... This was certainly the case in the US, where with more education one is pretty much doomed to working longer hours since that's what people do. I'd be glad if it was a simple formula of "you give me some money for my provided labour", but for some reason, in to the mix, comes stupid requirements that one should also be enthusiastic about the corporate goals, and want to work more and longer to further ones career, and be a great 'team player', etc. I just wanted a job, not a whole belief system! So, what you say sounds great, but in practice, with no 'social engineering', the 'free market' does not in fact allow for this, having engineered the social all by themselves.

Engineering is good! Social engineering is great! As an engineer, I have never understood why 'social engineering' is supposed to be a bad thing... It means we think about what we want and try to achieve it, rather than let the terms be dictated by whomever happens to have a ridiculous idea and the money to back it up. As if flailing around with no plan is better than a good design.