The idea that work should be our priority above all else is so ingrained in our culture we don't even think twice - but as soon as you stop and think you realise how ridiculous it is that we congratulate people for prioritising productivity over everything else in life, and see it as a weakness to prioritise your health, relationships an…
The idea that work should be our priority above all else is so ingrained in our culture we don't even think twice - but as soon as you stop and think you realise how ridiculous it is that we congratulate people for prioritising productivity over everything else in life, and see it as a weakness to prioritise your health, relationships and general enjoyment of life. I lost my career due to chronic health issues a few years ago, and while there are some downsides (mostly losing financial comfort!) the upsides far outweigh it - before I would leave for work before my daughter woke up and get to see her for 2 hours in the evening, now as I build a different career I can be flexible, we have mornings together & I pick her up from school, and I can be there whenever she needs me. I can't even imagine this not being the way I parent now, the way I was living my life before feels so alien - but back then it felt like there was no other way! My husband also works flexibly from home, and I'm so happy my daughter is growing up in an environment where relationships come first and work isn't everything!
Also I think it's so important to recognise that with many people they work for a company where you are SO replaceable. You are NOT replaceable to your loved ones so that should be taken care of the most!
Yes!!! And despite this the pressure from job ads through to doing the job itself to put it above all else, as if not being willing to so that is a flaw, despite the fact so many companies will never prioritise what's best for you unless it's good for them too (without realising that maybe happier employees actually are better for the bottom line long-term!)
The idea that work should be our priority above all else is so ingrained in our culture we don't even think twice - but as soon as you stop and think you realise how ridiculous it is that we congratulate people for prioritising productivity over everything else in life, and see it as a weakness to prioritise your health, relationships and general enjoyment of life. I lost my career due to chronic health issues a few years ago, and while there are some downsides (mostly losing financial comfort!) the upsides far outweigh it - before I would leave for work before my daughter woke up and get to see her for 2 hours in the evening, now as I build a different career I can be flexible, we have mornings together & I pick her up from school, and I can be there whenever she needs me. I can't even imagine this not being the way I parent now, the way I was living my life before feels so alien - but back then it felt like there was no other way! My husband also works flexibly from home, and I'm so happy my daughter is growing up in an environment where relationships come first and work isn't everything!
Also I think it's so important to recognise that with many people they work for a company where you are SO replaceable. You are NOT replaceable to your loved ones so that should be taken care of the most!
That is sooo true!
Yes!!! And despite this the pressure from job ads through to doing the job itself to put it above all else, as if not being willing to so that is a flaw, despite the fact so many companies will never prioritise what's best for you unless it's good for them too (without realising that maybe happier employees actually are better for the bottom line long-term!)