Dean Moriarty Posted January 10, 2008 Posted January 10, 2008 It seems like the ultimate balancing act of our lives. How do we balance our desire for money with our desire to feel fulfilled with our jobs while still maintaining healthy and happy relationships along with our extracurricular, character building, guilty pleasure, outside indulgence, etc. activities. I've spent a little time thinking about this. I'm in a good position right now. Young, out of school, on my own, making good money, a lot of career potential ahead of me, in a serious loving relationship with a gorgeous great partner, in pretty good physical shape... and so on. I feel like I'm at the point where I start deciding the path that my life will take and I have to start considering my personal priorities and how they relate to my professional aspirations. Do I want the 9-5, decent money, lots of opportunities to foster friendships, and have time to develop my life outside work/relationships. Maybe get back into volunteer work which I've found immensely fulfilling. Maybe get back into adult sports leagues. Travel more. Really enrich myself as a human being. Make enough to cover all my basic needs and wants. Get back into reading a lot and developing my own personal philosophy. Really explore personal growth. Another major plus side is that I will have time to be active in my future kids' lives. Or I could just as easily see myself working well over 60 hours a week, immersing myself in my work, and really embracing the thrill of setting and meeting professional goals and seeing myself climb the ladder. I'm a very competitive person so when I find myself in a job, I intuitively gun for the next higher position. I easily find myself consumed by projects. The plus side to this approach is that my family will always be comfortable, my kids will always have the best education and I'll be able to have the coolest gadgets eg. tvs, pda's, cars, etc. In theory, I'll be able to retire earlier too. I guess this whole train of thought was brought on by observing myself and my friends. We're all in the same spot and we're all handling it different ways. I just don't want to end up spending years following one path only to find it leading me back to where I started. Thoughts, insights?
Poboy Posted January 10, 2008 Posted January 10, 2008 its all about priorities and whats important to you. you need to realize that yourself. many people are not ready about what they want. take your time and realize where you are and where you want to be in future. a lot will come out of experience. experience & age & maturity can change priorities. sit down now & then and try to think about this stuff. if you dont get answers , dont worry. you will get them in the future. till then enjoy life and go about what feels best.
fral945 Posted January 10, 2008 Posted January 10, 2008 I've thought about the same things you have. I graduated college 4 yrs. ago and just recently left my job. I was making good money and had enough work for the next 10 yrs. People thought I was crazy to leave. But I left because personally my life sucked. Didn't really have many friends or relationships with women. Sure I made good money, had a nice car, and a nice place. But, like you said, it's a balancing act. I saw a future of long hours and no personal life. I left the job 2 months ago & now (ironically) my personal life is much better. I'm working to get into a field now that is more 9-5, but still allows me to make decent money and have time to develop my life outside work/relationships. Some people want to dedicate their lives to a cause, such as a job. Me, I want a balance (family, job, outside activities, etc.). I don't want my work to be the only thing in my life. I have a degree, so I know I could get a job anytime. I personally think it's harder to find good relationships. It just depends on what you want. Your priorities might even change as life goes on. You'll always want what you don't have. One thing about people is that we are insatiable.
crosswordfiend Posted January 10, 2008 Posted January 10, 2008 I guess this whole train of thought was brought on by observing myself and my friends. We're all in the same spot and we're all handling it different ways. I just don't want to end up spending years following one path only to find it leading me back to where I started. I chose the path of devoting more time to friends, relationships and hobbies. Most of my friends at the time chose to continue working crazy hours. I hardly see them and wouldn't consider them my friends any longer.
Recommended Posts