That yuppie catch-phrase from the late 90’s! Work has been hectic of late, and the heat is unbearable in the office. I’ve had a bad week (no sleep) thanks to ‘neighbours from hell’ and to cap it all I have just finished a 30 hour non stop stint at work to resolve some problems (basically annotating and reviewing 120 hours of security video footage) and feel completely wiped out. Well, to hell with it….if I can’t get any sleep at home I might as well not get any sleep at work and possibly acheive something!
I decided to take a five minute time-out, as my brain was reeling with fatigue, and pop out for a bit of fresh air and a walk to try and clear my head. As I left the office I spotted a man trimming the hedge across the street from our offices. I chatted to him for a few minutes and realised that his ‘life’ was very uncomplicated.
I quote…”If it’s raining, I stay home and read the paper or a book. If it’s not raining I trim hedges.”
How much more uncomplicated does it get?! He goes home when he’s finished, and not before. He won’t start on a job he can’t finish to his satisfaction if it means he’s not home in time to give his children a bath and put them to bed. If he’s not happy with the finished job, he’ll continue until he is happy, or come back the next day and do it again. In his own field (pardon the pun), he is an artist and prides himself on his work. Yes he collects a pay packet, but he says that is just a necessity of life and his biggest reward is pride in a job well done and a happy customer.
If you were offered an opportunity to ‘downshift’ and take that man’s place, trading financial remuneration, stress and long hours for less money but more contentment and less hassle…how many would jump at the chance to leave the ‘rat-race’ behind?
I’m seriously considering it!
