I was having this conversation recently with my mum. I feel like I’m of the first generation in my family to have real choice - my mum had the choice to have a family or go to work etc etc in theory but not really. She felt the pressure to have it all, retired 2 years ago and is still recovering (I think she will be for the next decade).
I was having this conversation recently with my mum. I feel like I’m of the first generation in my family to have real choice - my mum had the choice to have a family or go to work etc etc in theory but not really. She felt the pressure to have it all, retired 2 years ago and is still recovering (I think she will be for the next decade).
Whereas I’ve moved to the countryside, spend most of my time with my dog and read a lot, I love my job but it’s not a ‘high flyer’ super impressive on the outside role - it gives me the flexibility to take long walks at lunch time and make real food at home instead of living off sandwiches. I don’t feel pressured to find a partner or have a family, and I’ve never really had anyone ask me about it (I’m 32). I’m not sure if that’s because of the vibe I give off or because I’ve managed to surround myself with the right people who know it’s not an appropriate question. I have plenty of personal and professional goals but none of them come before my health and happiness, and I find happiness in my lengthy dog walks and slow cups of coffee in the morning.
For me, ‘having it all’ has to include choice. I can have anything I want, including the choice to say no.
Choice is a huge part of it. I feel like 'hustle culture' was only created when people didn't have to work that hard to get food on the table, but chose to do it anyway.
I was having this conversation recently with my mum. I feel like I’m of the first generation in my family to have real choice - my mum had the choice to have a family or go to work etc etc in theory but not really. She felt the pressure to have it all, retired 2 years ago and is still recovering (I think she will be for the next decade).
Whereas I’ve moved to the countryside, spend most of my time with my dog and read a lot, I love my job but it’s not a ‘high flyer’ super impressive on the outside role - it gives me the flexibility to take long walks at lunch time and make real food at home instead of living off sandwiches. I don’t feel pressured to find a partner or have a family, and I’ve never really had anyone ask me about it (I’m 32). I’m not sure if that’s because of the vibe I give off or because I’ve managed to surround myself with the right people who know it’s not an appropriate question. I have plenty of personal and professional goals but none of them come before my health and happiness, and I find happiness in my lengthy dog walks and slow cups of coffee in the morning.
For me, ‘having it all’ has to include choice. I can have anything I want, including the choice to say no.
Choice is a huge part of it. I feel like 'hustle culture' was only created when people didn't have to work that hard to get food on the table, but chose to do it anyway.