Why I Don’t Work Hard or Play Hard

We live in a world that is so fast-paced, driven for “success”, and hustle oriented.  The modern-day superhero is one who lives in a big city, works 60 hours a week, and then takes expensive luxury vacations.  I believe that lifestyle is desired by many—if not most—people.  Working many hours is commendable (especially if you are already wealthy) while working a few are lazy (unless you are already wealthy).  Rich people always win at this supposed “success” game, but that’s not my point.

I don’t work hard, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a hard worker. I rarely work a seven-hour day, and I don’t work five days a week consistently.  Right now, I usually work around 30 hours a week, and that feels like too much.  I make sure that those hours are very well utilized, and because of that, I get everything done.  I make sure that I don’t check my email or respond to texts once I’m off, and because of that, I don’t get burnt out.  I make sure that I do high-quality work, and because of that, I can make a living.  My work doesn’t feel exhausting or overwhelming (sure, there are exceptions), so I enjoy working.  

I don’t play hard, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy playing. I am not the type of person to count down the days for a vacation, and then go crazy.  I enjoy a mellow, budget stay-cation.  Part of my playtime is winding down with a game of Dominion.  I definitely wouldn’t consider a nerdy card game to be “playing hard”. So what’s the difference? If you work hard, you are waiting for a vacation so that you can play hard.  You are missing life because you are so focused on what is next.  If you work effectively and do part-time work for full-time pay (yes, it’s possible), every day is playtime.  Life is mellow, enjoyable, and you aren’t waiting for the weekends. If you love what you do (and set boundaries around the time you put in), you’ll never work a day in your life.

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