“It is nice to have a life outside of work”, my colleague said, while she put on her jacket head held high, heading out to the bright, warm sunny day to have a refreshing lunch. Her action is a luxury these days, especially for those of us that work’s in NYC. We often finish our lunch in 10 minute and back at work.
In the age of advance technology and global economy, our work does not confine to our office. We have no escape, it follow us from our office to our home and back. As soon as we got up in the morning, we reached for the blackberries. The messages from work stream thru faster than the cup of coffee being brew. The laptop and WiFi allows you be portable, and available 24/7 at the same time. This cycle never ends, the term 9-5 or a 40 hours workweek is rendered not relevant.
I recently heard comments from a European friend; he told me that his office in NYC does not end the workday until 6pm, as if it is a big deal. Most of us here in New York City turn in a 10 hours workday are a norm. A 12 hours day is not all that uncommon.
While keeping this kind of hours is all right for the young and eager, without a family or a place to call home they can endure the schedule for a couple of years, while trying to prove their worth. Trading in my every waking moment for work is hardly worth it for me. What is your thought, care to share?
On the other hand, I knew a few individuals, just can’t let go. They work for years keeping crazy hours, until their body crashed, forced to retire to a wheel chair. Picture that; does it worth it?
I agree with my colleague. Life is too short to spend it all at work. How to balance a career and personal time, is entirely up to you. My first step is to off the Black Berry as soon as I leave office. Also leave your desktop alone at home. Take a deep breath and enjoy the sunset. There is a whole world out there, if you were to live in the greatest city in the world, and not take advantage of it. That does not make any sense, doesn’t it?
Chance Encounter NYC
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