For those people, self-employment seem like a good idea. Their bosses should also look to downsize if what you describe is true.
It's posts like this that make me think perhaps we should have let the Germans take over your island.
What would be the benefit to our overall quality of life if we did away with, say, the 4th of July and New Years Day holidays? (Or others--feel free to pick.)
I think work is an important part of life. If it were me, I'd dump MLK Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Keep New Year's, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I think family and personal growth is an important part of life. I think work is a necessary part of life. ymmv