Perhaps it is just me or have you noticed the vast majority of people have appeared to lost their minds around their jobs and their personal lives. We book every second of every day with things to do and people seem to forget how to sit down and relax.
Currently I’m out east and I was discussing some of my co-workers with one of local people in the office. I heard the story of the older gentleman with a nice office on the top floor. Basically he lives to work, he works on the weekend and late during the week. When he isn’t at the office he is constantly on his crackberry checking email. If you asked what he did outside of work he would give you a blank stare. My co-worker just commented how we would likely find the man dead at his desk one day. That is a sad life. Would anyone even mourn him longer than a second or two? Would his tombstone say, "Here lies X, he was a good worker"?
I prefer things a bit different. I don’t do overtime unless it is a make or break project that has to be done and then I only do the minimum required. I believe that being a dad is the greatest gift and challenge in my life and I won’t let anyone do that job for me. I believe the dishes can wait and the bed can be unmade if I get more time to play with my wife and kid. I believe the happiness moments in my life didn’t involve any money. I believe to truly make a difference in the worls I need to do more than write a cheque to a charity. I believe that people should stop talking and start listening to each other. I believe that people are more important that things. I believe that everyone should spend at least five minutes of each day in complete silence doing nothing. I believe in living over working.
What do you believe?
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7 comments:
You're right, of course, it is far too easy to get caught up, and look up one day and another entire year has gone.
Having lived in four countries, I find Canadians in general (or perhaps Ontarians in particular) to be workaholics. I'm from Ireland, land of the 40 hour weeks and 25 day personal leave. My colleagues here (grunts all) choose to get pay in lieu of vacation time, have never taken a two week break, and look at me like I'm insane for travelling abroad. It's sad to me. Keep up the good work.
I believe you are already free, no need to wait until 45. Congratulations!
Now you can just look forward to not having to go to work in the future.
Guinness,
Thanks for the input. It's nice to see at least some of the world hasn't lost their minds.
Mr. Cheap,
Thanks. Actually that is part of why I picked the subtitle with the word free. I want to show people how you can retire early, but also hopefully make a better life for yourself today.
CD
Great post CD! I couldn't agree with you more. My co-worker and I often have this conversation about how so many people think that if you're not trying to get that office on the top floor you're lazy or have no ambition. I'm happy being behind the scenes, working my 35-40 hrs and then going home to do the things I really enjoy. :)
It is funny how I was oriented into my career couple of years ago and doing over time. Since I'm a father, every thing has changed. The most (and only) important thing in my life is my wife and kid. Work can always be done tomorrow!
FB.
I know this is an old cliche, but it's so very true: On their death bed, no one ever said "I wish I had spent more time at the office!"
Interesting blog specially since i am now 45 and am ready to retire anytime. I worked in Canada a few years but i decided to come down to the US in 93 because i believe the only way i could save enough to retire early is to have a bigger paycheck after taxes are paid. I have saved about $2M in these 14 years, so now is the time to move to a cheaper country and enjoy retirement. Good luck on your plan and keep the blog going!!
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