So what about the four hour workweek?
If you are like me, Lifestyle Design makes you think four-hour workweek, the title of Tim Ferriss’ book which introduced the term to the world. And when you explore the idea, maybe it just seems unworkable for individual with families and responsibilities. The point is not the four-hour workweek – or the 100 hour work week for that matter. The point is that you design your lifestyle and then determine what is necessary to support that lifestyle. Even if the four hour workweek is your desire, you don’t get the four hour workweek just by wishing. You probably have to work some 40 hour workweeks – or maybe some 20 hour workweeks on top of your normal job over a period of time to make it happen.
What about those other hours?
For me the idea of a four hour workweek is not a big attraction. I would be happy with a longer workweek so long as I enjoy the work. Right now, the thought of what I might do with all the time I am not working is another problem. What would I really like to do and be happy doing it all the time if I could earn all the money I want in four hour per week? Should I take up golf?
Lifestyle is multi-dimensional
This is what makes Lifesyle Design complicated. It is not a simple one dimensional decision. It is designing your ideal life. There ought to be a class for that in high school but instead we just make ad hoc decisions with the limited knowledge and resources we had. And that is why many of us are in the financial mess we are today. First we didn’t decide what kind of life we want. Then we didn’t plan the activities , education and commitments that would produce that lifestyle. And so we drifted into the ‘hope for’ life of being an employee and trusting in the financial and business integrity of our employers. We let someone else take charge.
Is it too late for boomers?
Does that mean that if you are a boomer that it is too late? Did you miss the boat? Have you been on the treadmill too long to get off and set your own course? Not unless you want it to be. There are resources and opportunities in every situation. You just have to be willing to step up and take control of your life. If you relate to this, leave me a comment. Tell me where you are in the process.
I think that quite a few people have already realized it’s never “too late” to do anything if you’re willing to work hard to achieve your goal – which is great! Just think of all the people who are returning to school because they lost their jobs.
Sometimes all it takes are the right circumstances to get yourself moving, i.e. getting laid off before you realize that you really CAN go to college at age 40.
I wish more people had that attitude. I suffered through quite a few jobs I hated before figuring out what works for ME, and that’s how I wound up starting my own company. Things are looking pretty bright right now, but I didn’t get this far overnight. It took effort.
And that makes you a model and inspiration. Good Job.
.-= ralph´s last blog ..How to use Lifestyle Design. =-.
I think that not everyone wants to life the four hour week. For some people it just won’t be the right thing. For example my brother is the kind of person who wants to work a lot and who of course likes working (again it depends on a job). But I couldn’t imagine him working only four hours per week. So I guess it depends on your personality after all.
.-= Julius Kuhn-Regnier´s last blog ..7 Real Life Bloggers to Inspire You =-.
It is more like a philosophy than a rigid way of life. And it needs to be personal.
.-= ralph´s last blog ..50’s Nostalgia – Triumph TR3 =-.