work/life balance

eet fuk wrote: »

I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would sacrifice the best years of their lives (20's, 30's in terms of energy and freedom imo) to earn as much as possible and be 'comfortable' in their old age. Fair enough if you have kids or whatever, but for anyone who is single/childless - earn your money and enjoy your life! Get a job that gives you personal satisfaction and that you take pride in! Go on holidays and pursue your hobbies!
If you spend your time becoming skilled and mentally/socially adjusted then you will likely be able to earn money until a ripe old age anyway. I would hate myself if I was wasting my time at 27, in an office I hate with people I'm indifferent to, just so I can sit on my hole at 70 and watch the clouds go by until death (bit dramatic but you get my point!).

I work in engineering and I honestly don't count the hours I work. I might leave at 5 some days, 7 or 8 on others. I stay because I'm enjoying what I'm working on and I'm doing it for myself! I went to college to study something that I find interesting, so that I could get a job doing something that I find interesting. All the while improving my skills and increasing my experience with no mental anguish.

I don't have parents anymore to bail me out. From when I got my first job at 16, anything I earned was mine, for online shopping, shoes, drinking - whatever I wanted to do really. Then if I needed to go to the doctor, or the dentist, or get new glasses, my dad would dig deep and fund the nessessities. As a result, I never saved, and never found myself in a position that I wasn't comfortable.

When my dad got sick, I left my job to mind him. I didn't sign on social welfare, and my dad kept me in money, so it was fine. Until he was dying, the cash ran out at home, and the bank/credit union wouldn't release any more cash because he wasn't able to go in and sign for the withdrawal.

That left me with NOTHING. No money, lead up to Christmas (like three weeks to go). I had 2 of my own dogs to feed, a stray dog who had given birth and was feeding 6 puppies, not a cent to my name. I was having some pretty personal things going on with myself too which meant I needed to see my doctor a bit, and was being referred to a clinic 40 mins away from where I was from. Had to keep my dads clothes washed and dried, And my brother was giving me 50 euro a week to try keep myself fed, esb paid, dogs fed, washing stuff bought. By the time the bills were paid and dogs were fed, there was between 8-12 euro left for food for me.

When my dad died - I had no money for flowers, no money for the food/drinks afterwards. My brother had to pay all that. I was literally never as destitute in my life, and I had a roof over my head and didn't have to worry about a mortgage. And still, it was horrific. Not even being able to go to the doctor when something quite serious happened.

Now that I'm 100% on my own, I don't want ever to be in that position again. I save now because if my dog needs the vet, I can bring him. If I need to spend 400 euro getting my wisdom teeth out, I can do it. If I need a doctor, I can just go. When my friends kids birthdays come around, I can get them a birthday present. When the unforeseen happens, i am prepared.

I can work long hours. I can put in the effort to get the return. I might not be able to do that in 25 years time, and I don't want to be stuck at 52, wondering where the mortgage is going to come from, wearing a coat to bed because I can't afford to hear the house. Taking cold showers, every 2 days. Having absolutely no security.

That's terrifying. Being caught like that with no way out. I grew up taking a warm house, full fridge, designer glasses/clothes/shoes, cars taxed and insured for me, for granted. I'm still fond of maintaining that lifestyle, and want to do the same for my family, having them grow up not worried about money or constant penny pinching for essential things. And that takes me sacrificing just a little bit, for an even better return.

But you need to do what you need to do for short term, means to an end. Obviously if you're in a situation whereby your job is causing you health problems/really really unhappy and miserable, then get out, for sure. No jobs worth your sanity. However, if it's just a job you don't enjoy, but pays good - I'd be enclined to say stick it out as long as you can, milk as much as you can from it, and move on then when it gets too much or you find your dream job.

I guess everyone will have different priorities. Mine personally would to have my own savings, a beautiful house that I'm really proud of, nice things, being warm and having somewhere I'm comfortable happy and safe in, after a long day of work.

Again I'm lucky because I do actually enjoy my job. And I got this job after spending 4 years working else where in jobs that I couldn't even begin to tell you how much I despised them, built my knowledge and experience and landed the job of my dreams.

I get paid an embarrassing wage but I could care less as im happy out. No work stress to speak of start at 9 and im home at 4:30 most days. Im not a material type of person so it doesn't bother me in the slightest. Do a lot of clothes shopping in the charity shops don't think ive ever spent over 30 euro on a piece of clothing wedding suit aside lol. Once we have enough for food and the kids education im happy out.