At a very young age, my sibling and I were taught our goal in life was to live to work. I still have memories of my mother working two or three jobs, sometimes more, as a maid for very wealthy families. Not once did I ever hear her complain about how she and others may have been treated because of the colour of their skin and lack of education. She lived during a time when Jim Crow laws were enforced, much like today in 2024. Nevertheless, good ol' mom pushed us to stay healthy so we would never miss a day of school or work.
I drank the Kool-Aid without even knowing it and spent most of my life working to make money, but it never made me happy. Whenever I talked to my friends, they all agreed that living to work was best for us. They truly believed that if we stopped working, we would just disappear or die. In my mid-40s, I began to think very differently about my life. I decided that I wanted to live life to the fullest, party hard, work hard, and enjoy myself. Not sure what any of it meant, I made many mistakes and partied much too hard before a brighter lightbulb went off in my head. This time, I decided to have a conversation with myself, asking difficult questions to help me plan for my future to live the best life.
The moment I decided to work to live my life to the fullest, everything started to shift in my world. I started working on contracts about so many things that I cared about in life. It also led me to work with people I enjoyed working with as opposed to those you must work with to make money. Almost like a bucket list, I created a visual plan of what I hoped to accomplish in my life and things I always wanted to do. One of my primary goals was to pay off my debt of shopping for so many things that I never needed. Once out of debt, I started to feel as if I was floating in a wonderful mental, physical, and emotional space. That's when everything started to change. Life taught me to look at what is needed and wanted or desired and to make better decisions. Traveling has always been high on my list, so it all happened. Then I focused on the type of work that would make me happy. Starting my own business was the best idea, doing the things that you love, and saying 'no thank you' to projects that you hate.
In my experience, working to live is all about prioritising life outside of work. It usually means more time for family, relationships, hobbies, travel adventures, and personal growth. When I was a believer in working to live, prioritising my work was my central aspect of life. It's perfect if you want any career progression, financial rewards, and professional fulfilment.
In today’s fast-paced world, the concepts of "Working to Live" and "Living to Work" have become central to discussions about work-life balance. The phrase "Working to Live" refers to individuals who view their jobs primarily to support their life outside of work. Their focus is on enjoying life, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and engaging in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. For these individuals, work is necessary, but it does not define their identity or consume their time and energy.
On the other hand, "Living to Work" describes those who place their careers at the centre of their lives. For them, work is not just a job but a major source of identity, purpose, and satisfaction. These individuals often seek professional achievements, financial rewards, and the prestige that comes with career success. While this approach can lead to significant accomplishments and fulfilment, it also carries the risk of burnout, strained personal relationships, and health issues due to the intense focus on work at the expense of other aspects of life.
Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping whether individuals are more inclined to work to live or live to work. In some cultures, particularly in the United States and Japan, there is a strong emphasis on work as a measure of success and self-worth. This cultural norm can pressure individuals to prioritize their careers, often leading to long working hours and high levels of stress. Conversely, in many European countries, there is a greater emphasis on work-life balance, with policies in place to support shorter work weeks and more vacation time, reflecting a societal value placed on living a balanced life. Many years ago, when I lived in Italy and France, I learned a new way of life. Initially, my new French friends said that I was too uptight, and their mission was to teach me how to relax about life and start enjoying it. I was unaware at the time of their long lunches and siesta time to just chill out with friends, good food, and lots of delicious wines. They said I was a fast learner. I also learned to stop being upset if someone was late when meeting me for a coffee, lunch, or cocktails, or even if they didn't show up. It gave me more time to focus on myself.
Ultimately, finding a balance between working to live and living to work is crucial for long-term well-being. Self-awareness is key to understanding one’s priorities and determining the right approach to work and life. Strategies such as setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, prioritizing self-care, and seeking fulfilling activities outside of work can help individuals achieve this balance. Additionally, great employers play a crucial role in promoting work-life balance by offering flexible working arrangements, encouraging time off, and fostering a supportive workplace culture.
In conclusion, whether one chooses to work to live or live to work, it is essential to recognize the importance of balance. A holistic approach to work and life can lead to greater happiness, health, and fulfilment, ensuring that work serves to a fulfilling life rather than an end in itself. Do you believe in working to live or living to work?
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