The Ink-Pot and the Palette

Based on what you describe your fears sound justified and I have much sympathy, being wedded to the whole idea of work/life balance.
One note of hope: if Norm is a manual-reader and a droner who lacks imagination etc etc, then the chances are high that he is also someone who takes twice as long as necessary to his job. In my experience that type lacks the perspective to make judgements about cost/benefit or materiality, and lacks the imagination to invent new and more efficient ways to achieve the objective.