I agree that some employers do indeed care if you work hard. I am lucky enough to have found such bosses and it means a lot that they appreciate how much everyone is working.

Sadly, they are rare compared to the other type. It really sucks when you give your best to a boss that simply doesn't care about you, or your efforts. It can really demotivate you.

That's why, as you said, everyone should try to figure out what type of place they work for - do people care about all the effort they put into everything they do? If the answer is no, then do what's required and keep your energy and motivation for other type of activities outside of your job. If they do care, then do your best to prove that you're a great worker.

The best solution would be to leave and change jobs, but that's the best and easiest solution from the perspective of someone who has an easy life. Bills, food, clothing, rent and a lot more responsibilities can make it very hard to switch jobs, especially when you don't know if your new job will be as secure as the first one.