Hello Hivers…
This question has left me reflecting and thinking back and forth:
Are we supposed to work to live or live to work? This prompt reflects the two major groups of people in the world when it comes to work, and this is me writing based on the group I belong to.
Here is my honest opinion: We work to live, not live to work.
The idea of working is so that we can sustain ourselves, fund the lifestyle we want, pay our bills, and take care of our loved ones. Have you noticed there’s always a sense of fulfillment, a kind of joy you feel whenever you’re able to render help, especially to your family or to the helpless?
Not Being Defined by Work
Working to live, to me, means working and still being available for other things; not letting ourselves be consumed by work. It means working while still considering our mental health, our families and friends, and having time to party, club, attend functions, and enjoy life. People who work to live do not let work revolve around everything they do; they’re not defined by the idea of work. As much as they work, they see it only as a means of livelihood.
Living to Work
On the other hand, living to work means living solely for work, being defined by it. People in this category rarely have time or space for other important things in life. It could be someone who is overzealous, desperate to survive, jumping from job to job, or burdened with so many responsibilities that work consumes them.
For instance, there are millionaires and billionaires who have become so attached to their work that even when they are financially buoyant, have multiple investments generating huge revenues, and have workers who can manage things for them, they still see themselves totally consumed by their work. They have become one with it and can’t stop anymore. They’re so addicted to work (if I can put it that way) that they have no time even for themselves.
A lot of Igbo businessmen (a tribe in Nigeria) are typical examples. No matter how rich they are, many still allow their businesses to consume them to the point that they barely have time for their families and friends. All they talk about is their business. Is this bad? Not necessarily, but too much of everything is bad. We must consider other important aspects of life, because life is not all about money.
When Work Consumes Out of Necessity
Sometimes, circumstances force people to be consumed by work. For example, a widowed mother who has no inheritance or support may have to work excessively to meet basic needs.
Another scenario is an overzealous boss who is all about work and expects everyone under them to do the same.
The Harsh Reality
Everybody wants a good life with enough time to spend with loved ones and to rest, but the economy says otherwise. People tend to neglect the fact that they should work to live. They make so little from numerous jobs that they have to work even more.
Inflation is at its peak you earn little but have much to spend, so it feels like work is never enough and you must do more. This makes it seem as though people live for the sole reason of working.
There’s an adage: “There is no food for a lazy man.” Many believe this deeply and work tirelessly to make ends meet. Most times, their income only covers a few basic needs while debts keep accumulating.
My Conclusion In all, I’ll say that smartness over hard work helps us adapt to the real definition of life. When our lives start improving, we should reach a point where we can give work less time yet still receive daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly revenue through diversified investments.
That, to me, is the true meaning of working to live.
Thanks you for reading through and for your contributions and support 💕