Do You Live to Work or Work to Live?
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Surveys suggest most who won lotteries would continue to work. Would you?



Do you live to work or work to live? Or, do you have challenges separating the two?



If you work for a paycheck, you probably work to live. If you're engrossed in enjoyable activities, you might live to work. Separating work and non-work activities suggests you may strive for balance.



Many, who have made contributions to humankind, have been absorbed in work. Pablo Picasso ssid: "What is always there is your work. It is the extension of you. You are your work."



Anil, CEO of a large organization, doesn't differentiate between work and play: "I like being challenged, making a difference. Work is an extension of who I am."



Lorrie has a different perspective: "My calling is to enjoy life. I work to live. I work for money to supply my lifestyle. Although I do get satisfaction from doing a good job, I devote my life to hobbies and volunteer activities."



Others turn hobbies into paid work. Charlene, a former financial analyst, now earns money looking after pets. Rob, an ex-software development consultant, established a wood products business based on his hobby.



A developmental perspective to the "work-life issue" is offered by Roxanne, an author and entrepreneur: "At an earlier life stage, I made work a priority. My family suffered. Now, when I leave at five, I leave work."



A different life-work balance is practiced by some Silicon Valley professionals who work for high-tech startups. They work intense days for three to four years and then take time out for a few years. Instead of working at a low intensity for 30-plus years, they work at high intensity for three to four, then take a long vacation. Some need this break to regenerate.



In essence, how you feel about one area is interwoven with how you feel about others. Your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual components are one. Expressing yourself fully requires a careful meshing of all ingredients that make you special.



Tips for clarifying and creating your desired lifestyle



Value time: Time is lost when you're involved in activities you don't enjoy. If you dislike your job, find another.



Take stock: Clarify your needs, values, interests and purpose. Note activities that energize and drain you. Identify skills and accomplishments that give you a sense of pride.



What do your responses to the forgoing tell you about your desired lifestyle? Brainstorm ways in which you can express your attributes in work and non-work activities. Explore compatible options. Consider modifying your current position, finding another job, taking time off to travel or relax, establishing a business or focusing on an enjoyable hobby or volunteer project.



If you would like more life-work balance, break your life down into 10 components: physical health, emotional health, physical activities, family or intimate relationships, job satisfaction, financial comfort, intellectual stimulation, spiritual contentment, social relationships and civic contributions. Grade yourself 0-5 (5 being the highest), on each factor. Note areas 2 or lower. To enhance your sense of well being, try improving one component each month.



Take charge: Achieve the sense of fulfillment and confidence that comes from living your desired life. Read Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life to learn how resilient Questers live purposeful, growth-oriented lives.