A five-year study of the American work force has come up with findings that most working people already know too well. Many don't have enough time with their families, feel burned out at the end of the day, and have a fear of losing their job. Fifteen companies commissioned a study by the Families and Work Institute to ferret out the feelings of 3,381 workers nationwide.

There's something almost sinister finding out that 42 percent feel '"used up" by the end of their workday: and another 20 percent live in fear of being laid off or fired.

For generations our society has been an upbeat one with a cheerful "can do" spirit. It's a country where the immigrant or migrant worker can aspire and attain riches and success through ingenuity and hard work. America has sustained that mystical mountain top culture where anyone with cunning and work ethic can believably reach.

Cheer and happiness abound; it's reflected in comedy sitcoms, our music, and the waitress proclaiming, "Have a good day." Orthodontists flourish because everyone wears a smile.

Actually that was a while ago. Under the guise of world competitiveness, our culture is being transformed into a corporate, society of undermanned and overworked individuals who are not confident with their future. The new buzzwords appear overnight: downsizing, flattening, transparent qualities, seamless organization, and many more. All for payment of shareholder equities and the obsession for respectable profitability. Corporate America is driving in some direction with fewer people accomplishing more productive tasks with training that prepares for yet another reduction in personnel, yet with expectations of greater revenues and profits.

Some say the buyers notice the difference. While there may be new nomenclature for service, some of the companies are losing touch. The computers generate everything from reminders to billing in a very clinical manner. Software never gets it all quite right. Trying to reach a person by phone carries you through a labyrinth of instructions, voice mail, or to that ubiquitous assistant who is seldom there when you are encountering a crisis.

Do they care? Of course they care. But the human element is losing out. It's too expensive for that direct contact. And they often won't encourage you to elect to pay for it because raising your cost will make them even more vulnerable to a competitive quote.

It's obvious that some people simply can't or don't want to live with the pace demanded. How many of your own friends grouse about new procedures and technologies that require change? How many are now talking about an early retirement? How many conform to new regimen because they simply need the income and can't move in a tight job market? These are not happy campers, productive employees, or team players.

The "good old days" (savor the memories) probably won't be returning soon. Each of us has to make that full mental adjustment in attitude and goal setting to rise above those that can't or won't do it. The customer is still the king and service with personalized effort will eventually win over the pure financial marketing objective of your competitors.

There's still reward and fun to be had if we achieve success for ourselves; and not much room for the feint of heart.