Michigan: Ranked “Laziest” by a Survey That Thinks Vacation Is a Sin.
Another week, another headline engineered to rile up the comment section. This time it’s WDIV declaring that Michigan has the “laziest workforce” in America, based on a fresh WalletHub ranking. Predictably, the headline drew thousands of clicks and a flood of comments. Mission accomplished.
But let’s be clear: nobody in their right mind would put Michigan at the bottom of a list of hardworking states unless they were hungry for engagement.
How Michigan Landed at #50
WalletHub’s full chart shows Michigan dead last, with a score of 29.35. North Dakota, Alaska, South Dakota, Texas, and Hawaii rounded out the top five. Sounds simple—except the survey rewards things like:
•Working multiple jobs
•Leaving vacation days unused
•Clocking long hours regardless of output
In other words, if you manage to pay your bills with one job, actually use your earned time off, and balance work with life—you get docked points. By that measure, Michigan isn’t lazy. It’s sane.
What the Numbers Miss
It’s laughable to suggest that the state that built America’s cars, ships, and furniture is suddenly allergic to work. Anyone who has set foot on a factory floor in Detroit, a hospital wing in Grand Rapids, or a logistics hub in Battle Creek knows the grind is alive and well.
What WalletHub really captured is that Michigan workers refuse to glorify burnout. We’re not lining up for second and third jobs to make ends meet, and we’re not hoarding vacation days like badges of honor. We work hard during the week and then actually enjoy our weekends. Shocking, I know.
Why This Story Exists
The truth is, WalletHub gets to pump out a neat chart, and outlets like WDIV get a ready-made outrage machine. Slap “laziest” on Michigan, sit back, and watch the comments, and response blogs like this just pour in. Cue the predictable “back in my day” rants, the political blame games, and a dozen people swearing they know fifteen lazy coworkers by name.
But engagement doesn’t equal accuracy. What the headline ignored is that “hardest working” by WalletHub’s definition really means “most overworked.” Michigan didn’t lose in this survey. We dodged it.
The Michigan Way
Here’s the reality: we hustle Monday through Friday, and then we go wild on the weekends. We hunt, fish, tailgate, head up north, and actually live. That balance is a feature, not a bug.
So, if WalletHub and WDIV want to keep tossing red meat to the comment section, fine. Just don’t confuse engagement bait with truth. Michigan isn’t lazy. Michigan knows how to work—and how to live.
