There have been times where I’ve felt work ‘gets in the way’ of the important things in life. It takes your time and energy, often out of ‘work hours’ too, as you think about the challenges you face.

The conundrum for us all is that it also ‘enables life’ I.e. earning money to live and do more of what makes you happy.

The other consideration is that by you working, not only are you supporting yourself and loved ones, but others too. In fact, we’re all supporting each other by saving and spending money. If none of us worked, there would be no transportation to see the world; internet to share insights; clothes to wear and so on. I appreciate the argument that all of this once didn’t exist, but the world has changed and in historical times there was an economy that people contributed to. It’s just it was either simpler or smaller.

I also accept that some don’t ‘need’ to work because of their financial wealth, if that’s you – please keep spending!

The bottom line is, if we are able, we need to contribute. As with most things, it’s about finding the balance that supports happiness.