It’s no secret that Americans tend to work a lot. I good friend of mine who grew up outside the United States always reminds me of the distinction between “living to work”, and “working to live”. Part of what drives our ‘living to work’ mentality in this country could be termed ‘competitive consumption’. Instead of learning to enjoy life, leisure, family, community, learning and volunteering, we commit every available hour to accumulating things, including ever larger houses.
Many of us in the service industry believe that making ourselves available 24 hours a day, seven days a week enhances our perceived unique value proposition. This of course does nothing positive for our quality of life and ultimately cheapens our ‘brand’.
I too have worn the 24/7 attitude like a badge of honor but like to think I am recovering. My new 24/7 goal is to work 24 hours a week, seven months out of the year, at things I enjoy doing. That to me would be better than any ‘retirement’ I can think of.
How has the current economic crises changed your perspective? Share your thoughts with the My Real Estate Life community.