Most American corporations pay what is called a salary rather than by the hour. Basically it means that if Hal got paid $30,000 a year, he would get that amount no matter how much he worked. It's a wonder he wasn't fired, yes, but as far as pay is concerned, as long as he worked there he would get his full salary.
On that note, a job like Lois' as a cashier would pay by the hour so the more hours the better for her.