Learn English – Why do people say “Work like a dog?”
idiomsmeaning
To mean working hard?
Dogs just lie around and nap. That's not working hard…
Best Answer
"Sheepdogs" are definitely a reason. This link here, also offers another explanation:
In olden days, the two sawyers who worked on a tree sawing planks were the top-dog and the under-dog. A dog in those days was a manual worker. (Emphasis mine)
Perhaps the expression could also have come from a comparison with a "manual worker".
I can read four meanings in this motivational slogan, which is certainly conversational in style, but none of them includes the OP's second interpretation, i.e. Work hard/awesome to be/stay at this company.
1st interpretation:
Life is short, you need to work anywhere, somewhere. Awesome!
I interpret the exclamative tag, awesome, as meaning What an inspiring message! Considering the simplicity of the message, one might consider that final remark as being sarcastic in tone.
2nd interpretation:
Don't squander your life working here. Find a job with an awe-inspiring/inspirational company.
3rd interpretation
Life is short, work somewhere. Awesome (The name of the company = Awesome).
4th interpretation
We (Human Resources) have been told that moral is flagging (for some
reason), so we thought we had better remind employees that working here
is awesome.
Best Answer
"Sheepdogs" are definitely a reason. This link here, also offers another explanation:
Perhaps the expression could also have come from a comparison with a "manual worker".