Work to live not Live to work: Learn how to get back Your life Now| Greatcrackers.com
Does your job make you feel alive? Your response will reflect your practical grasp of the expression: Work to live not live to work.
No doubt, everybody wants their career to be on a smooth ride. But the question is, are there individuals who desire their family life get dashed by career life or journey? Or the opposite?
Chances are that there’s no one. Of course, everyone– just like you– wants a balanced life. Thus, in this article, we’ll explore what both “work to live” and “live to work” mean and how you can achieve a balance as you lead your dream life. One free of drama and unnecessary burnouts.
Real Estate Entrepreneur Gary Keller once said, “Work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls—family, health, friends, and integrity—are made up of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered.”
What does “Live to Work” means?
In a time like now, where everything seems fast-paced, many desire success in their businesses and careers. But while that may appear too much to ask, some have resorted to surviving. Without expecting too much from their lives or their jobs.
The phrase “Live to work” is like a figurative expression that captures the reality and experience of people who have attachment to their work (and careers). They draw fulfillment from the results they generate in what they do at their workplace.
So, it may be safe for you to say they live to work. That setting a line between work and life becomes so challenging to do for them. And the result is stress and burnout. But does one manage stress in the workplace? Read the effective strategies for managing stress in the workplace
Meanwhile, you may say people who’re working on jobs they barely love are living to work. But the fear of being unable to live (survive) without the job keeps them glued to their jobs.
What Does “Work to Live” mean?
“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you,” says Carl Sandburg.
People who work to live share the same school of thought with Sandburg. They understood that no one has two lives to live. Thus, they choose not to work themselves up by their jobs, without any time to relax or spend time with family members or friends.
In other words, working to live entails loving what you do and not being obsessed with your careers at the expense of your peace and mental health.
Does that sound like what you’re going through? A break might be what you should consider.
When was the last time you went on a hangout with a friend or a close relative? No doubt, establishing a solid relationship with family members is quite rewarding.
Work to live Vs live to work: Which do you want?
While it appears like a debate, you should remember the goal is your health. Even as you want to grow in your career, you also want to be a loving parent to your kids and caring to your spouse (and other family members) without truncating your relationship with them.
Thus, you’d strive for a balanced work-life. Which I believe that’s the reason you’re reading this. I mean, you can’t underestimate the place of the home of your life– and the society.
Little wonder, the late Mother Teresa, a nun, and a missionary, once quoted, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
Adulthood can indeed be overwhelming. You have a lot to attend to. You have a pile of bills waiting to suck up your hard-earned money. You probably have kids who can’t wait to ask you for one thing or the thing. Perhaps, some candies, toys, dolls, amongst others. (Just name them.)
Yet, you seem not to have time for yourself and the things that matter to you.
Work to live not live to work: How to get your life back
American singer and songwriter Dolly Parton once said, “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
That’s a life you don’t want. Neither does any other person desire for himself. But first, you need to ask yourself what you truly want. Hence, the following include things you do to enjoy your work while you live a life filled with intimacy, peace, and love from family members…
5 things to help you live a balanced work-life
1. Set your priorities right
Having a clear set of priorities will help you write your goals clearly, and then make you work towards their accomplishment. But first, you must know what you want. Do you want more time with your family? Do you want more time to travel as you’ve always wanted?
2. Work on yourself
This may sound simple, but many find it hard to apply it. Remember the saying, You earn more by simply learning more. On this note, you should be intentional about working on yourself and not wasting your time on things that don’t matter to you.
“If you work hard on your job, you can make a living. But if you work hard on yourself, you can make a fortune,” says Jim Rohn. Yes, that could be mean taking up courses and learning relevant skills that can make you more valuable as a person– and as a staff member of your company.
3. Take time off
Every job can become really stressful. But at such times, taking a break is something you need to do to maintain good mental health. That will help you stay in shape and productive. If you feel stressed, taking a break off work is your best bet.
4. Engage with your community
Staying connected with like minds is also good to help you become more productive without being consumed in your work.
Let’s say, for example, you’re a freelance writer. You’d agree that engaging with other freelance writers on some platforms, perhaps on Facebook, or Linkedin, amongst others, can help you stay more focused and not pressured. That’s because you can freely interact with them and reach out to them for support and collaboration, as the case may be.
5. Learn to outsource and delegate Work
Outsourcing and delegating tasks can help you focus your energy on other things. But this depends on the nature of the job and, of course, your position at work.
Other Tips on how to Work to live not live to work
- Don’t compare yourself with others
- Try and get jobs that afford your a reasonable amount of time to do other things
- Learn to say NO to things that want to take the life out of you and leave you stressed.
- You might want to consider an easy-to-start business that gives you more time.
- Take your health seriously.
- Apply for leave as often as you can.
- Follow peace and not allow money to be a strong master over you.
- Practice self-care and keep a grateful heart. Learn how to be grateful always.
Final thought
Let every moment count. Don’t get caught up or overly consumed in your work. Be diligent, but don’t make yourself susceptible to stress at work. Zig Ziglar once commented, “You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.” Balance is what you need.
